The Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) has formally distanced itself from the Church of England, declaring spiritual independence following the appointment of Bishop Sarah Mullally as the new Archbishop of Canterbury.
In a strongly worded statement on Monday, signed by the Primate, Most Rev’d Henry C. Ndukuba, the Nigerian Church condemned Mullally’s elevation as both “devastating” and “insensitive,” pointing to her support for same-sex marriage and the broader acceptance of female headship within the episcopate.
“This election is a double jeopardy. It disregards the conviction of the majority of Anglicans who cannot accept female headship, and it is disturbing that Bishop Mullally is a strong supporter of same-sex marriage,” the statement said.
The Church noted her 2023 comments celebrating the Church of England’s decision to bless same-sex couples as “a moment of hope,” warning that such views would only inflame a dispute that has divided Anglicans globally for over two decades.
According to the Nigerian Church, the development marks a breaking point: “The Anglican world can no longer accept the leadership of the Church of England and that of the Archbishop of Canterbury.”
Instead, it reaffirmed loyalty to the Global Anglican Future Conference (GAFCON), a conservative coalition within Anglicanism committed to upholding biblical authority and traditional Christian doctrine.
Analysts say the Nigerian statement could accelerate realignments within the 85-million-member Communion, where divisions over sexuality, gender, and church authority have long threatened unity.
The Church of Nigeria, one of the largest Anglican provinces with over 18 million members, called on like-minded Anglicans in England and beyond to “remain steadfast in contending for the faith once delivered to the saints.”
