The Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) recently held a consultation forum to develop its policy on its Gender-Based Prevention Policy, organized by its Social support arm Anglican Compassionate and Development Initiative (ACADI) with support from Ford Foundation under the Church of Nigeria transformational Response to Gender Based Violence Project.
The meeting brought together Archbishops, Bishops, Clergymen, Church workers, and key stakeholders to engage in meaningful dialogue on developing a policy guideline document to help the Church in addressing gender-based violence within the Church and wider society.
The two day event which held between 7th and 8th May, 2025 at the St. Matthias House, Abuja, focused on developing a comprehensive policy framework that reflects biblical values while ensuring the protection and dignity of all individuals.
The Primate of the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, The Most. Rev’d Dr. Henry C. Ndukuba who is the visioneer urged the participants to work towards the Church’s target of a Zero tolerance against every violence and to ensure survivors get proper support and justice where necessary. He noted that the document being worked on should tackle the grave problem of Gender Based Violence by offering precise guidelines, processes and support systems that prevent and deal with such incidents, ultimately fostering a more equitable, safe and engaged community.
Discussions emphasized the Church’s responsibility to prevent abuse, support survivors, and promote justice. This initiative marks a significant step in the Church of Nigeria’s ongoing commitment to creating safe, respectful, and accountable spaces for worship and community life.
The policy document will serve as a guideline for decision making and expected behavior among clergy and congregation. It will also spell out expectations of the leadership of the Church to all its workers and members on issues of GVB.
Participants include the Primate’s wife, Mrs Angela Ndukuba, Dean of the Church of Nigeria, The Most Rev. Blessing Enyindah, Registrar of the Church of Nigeria, Mrs Kehinde Ajoni, Archbiship of Ibadan Province, The Most Rev’d Dr. Williams Aladekugbe among others.
Korede Akintunde
