While individuals are free under civil law to register partnerships, given the ambiguity in the legislation and because they are bound to be seen as a form of gay "marriage", it would be inadvisable for Christians to enter them if only to avoid causing scandal.

As you may know we have just completed the General Synod of the Church of Nigeria during which we were privileged to welcome Archbishop Yong Ping Chung as an honoured guest. We also took a number of actions to clarify our commitment to the apostolic faith including amending our constitution. As you well know there are those who will seek to distort our intentions and I wanted to be sure that you heard from me before we meet face to face.

As I rolled into the parish parking lot, I saw this incredible line of volunteers and tables, trucks with supplies parked on the lawn. Running around directing traffic was my great friend, Pastor Fred, a Baptist minister (our old house mate in Africa) who helped organise a convoy of church relief from Alabama. They were an incredible God-send.

By stating that people are free to argue for a change in the current teaching of the Church they are encouraging error (which they have sworn to drive out) and demonstrating that they do not truly believe what they claim to uphold. It is clear to everyone, including Anglicans in other parts of the world, that in this statement the House of Bishops has finally come clean.