The Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), one of the largest and most influential provinces in global Anglicanism, has formally rejected the recent appointment of Bishop Sarah Mullally as Archbishop of Canterbury, declaring that it can no longer accept her leadership or the direction in which the Church of England is heading.
The dispute stems from two main issues:
Female Episcopate
Bishop Mullally’s appointment marks the first time a woman will serve as Archbishop of Canterbury, a position of spiritual leadership in the Anglican Communion. The Church of Nigeria says that this move contradicts their interpretation of biblical doctrine, particularly regarding church leadership roles.
Support for Same-Sex Marriage / LGBTQ+ Issues
The Church of Nigeria also objects to Mullally’s past support of same-sex marriage blessings. In 2023, she described the Church of England’s vote to bless same-sex couples as “a moment of hope,” a stance that deeply troubles Nigeria’s Anglican leadership, which holds more conservative views on sexuality.
The Church of Nigeria has declared spiritual independence from the Archbishop of Canterbury, meaning it will no longer recognize him as its primate or spiritual head.
It has reaffirmed its commitment to the principles of GAFCON (Global Anglican Future Conference), a conservative network within Anglicanism.
The Church describes the appointment of Mullally as “devastating” and “insensitive.” It believes the decision ignores the beliefs and convictions of the majority of Anglicans who regard female headship in the episcopate and affirmation of same-sex relationships as incompatible with traditional teachings.
GAFCON, which counts several African Anglican provinces (including Nigeria) among its members, has officially rejected Mullally’s appointment, asserting that the Church of England has drifted from “biblical orthodoxy.”
Archbishop Henry C. Ndukuba of Nigeria issued a statement calling the appointment a “double jeopardy,” citing the issues of female leadership and same-sex marriage.
This break represents a significant schism within the Anglican Communion over theology, authority, and the interpretation of Scripture.
It raises questions about the future role and influence of the Archbishop of Canterbury as a unifying figure amongst Anglican churches worldwide.
For Nigerian Anglicans and other conservative provinces, this move underscores their resolve to define their identity and theological boundaries independently.
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