From here:
The Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) has introduced a clause in its constitution subjecting members, who intend to hold positions in church, to take an oath of allegiance to God denouncing homosexuality.
[…..]
The text of the vow reads: “I declare before God and his Church that I have never been a homosexual/bisexual or (have repented from being homosexual/bisexual) and I vow that I will not indulge in the practise of homosexuality/bisexuality.
“If after this oath I am involved, found to be, or profess to be a homosexual/bisexual against the teachings of the Holy Scriptures as contained in the Bible.
“I bring upon myself the full wrath of God and subject myself willingly to canonical discipline as enshrined in the constitution of the Church of Nigeria, so help me God.’’
One of the oath-takers, Mr Lucky Erhaikhuemen, 43, the Vicar’s warden of the church, said two decades ago the oath would have been of no significance in the Church of Nigeria.
“But with what is happening in Western countries and the churches there, there is a lot a pressure on church leaders and members here to compromise the teachings of the church.
“The oath is a guide and warning that those in leadership positions in the church must uphold scriptural teachings and point to the godly part to the younger generations,’’ he said.
There are a few things I find particularly interesting about this:
The first is that the opposite tends to apply in Western Anglicanism. For example, a priest applying for employment in the Diocese of Niagara can expect to be asked where he stands on same sex blessings. If he gives the wrong answer – the wrong answer is that he is not for them – he might as well move to Nigeria and seek employment there.
The second is, the remarks by the church warden that the oath is a reaction to Western pressure and 20 years ago would have been unnecessary is somewhat heartening. Indaba away, Justin Welby, Nigeria is not going to buckle.
Lastly, the Anglican Church of Nigeria is simply applying a Biblical principle to its choice of leaders. The probability of Western Anglican clerics foaming at the mouth when they hear about it is of no particular import, but as a side-effect, I find the mere anticipation of it profoundly satisfying.
I must applaud the Nigerian church for taking this stand but this entire issue points to a much more serious matter. Sexual sin whether homosexual activity, adultery or premarital sex is really one aspect of sin. Each and every one of us has that old nature within us and our temptations vary according to our individual personality and/or upbringing. In that respect singling out homosexual activity could result in failure to recognize that old nature within each and every one of us – that nature that constantly works within us. There is a distinct need to bring all Christians into realizing our battle with that old nature and to seek assistance in that fight.
Of course there is the issue of suggesting one can “bless” sinful activity under the guise of the makeup of an individual. I am confident that the action of the North American churches with the full support of the apostate so-called bishops to suggest sinful activity can be blest has caused this action. What is really needed is discipline to remove ALL clergy – be it priests or bishops – who seek to pervert the Scriptures until they are prepared to publicly repent and retake the vows made at their ordination and/or consecration..
Most comments in this website have to do with same-sex relationships. Personally, I am more concerned with the issues of sexual crimes, sex before marriage, and remarriage after divorce.