By Orlin Milinov
ABUJA — The Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) has announced its separation from the Church of England, following the appointment of Bishop Sarah Mullally as the new Archbishop of Canterbury.
The Church described the development as a major setback for global Anglican unity, citing deep concerns over what it called a departure from long-standing biblical and moral principles within the Church of England.
In a statement signed by the Primate of the Church of Nigeria, Most Rev. Henry C. Ndukuba, the Church said the decision to elevate Bishop Mullally was “devastating” and “insensitive,” particularly in view of her well-known support for progressive teachings within the Communion.
“This election is a double jeopardy,” the statement read. “First, it disregards the conviction of the majority of Anglicans who cannot accept female headship in the episcopate; and second, it is even more troubling given Bishop Sarah Mullally’s public stance on same-sex marriage.”
The Church of Nigeria recalled Bishop Mullally’s comments in 2023 after the Church of England voted to approve blessings for same-sex couples, in which she described the move as “a moment of hope.”
According to the statement, such comments have further strained the already fragile unity of the Anglican family worldwide.
“It remains to be seen how the same person hopes to heal the already divided Communion,” the statement noted, adding that the global Anglican community had been in crisis over the issue for more than two decades.
Nigeria affirms GAFCON alignment
Reaffirming its independence, the Church of Nigeria declared that it no longer recognised the leadership authority of the Church of England or that of the Archbishop of Canterbury.
It also restated its loyalty to the Global Anglican Future Conference (GAFCON), a coalition of traditional Anglican bodies that uphold conservative doctrinal positions.
“As a member of the GAFCON family, the Church of Nigeria stands firmly by the principles of biblical authority, historic creeds, evangelism and holy Christian living, regardless of the ongoing efforts to revise long-held beliefs,” the statement said.
The Church further encouraged members of the Anglican Communion in England and across the world who share similar values to remain steadfast and continue to uphold scriptural teachings.
“We urge all faithful Anglicans who continue to defend the integrity of the faith to remain courageous and prayerful,” it added.
