Anglican Rift: Church of Nigeria Declares Spiritual Independence
The Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) has declared spiritual independence from the Church of England, citing the latter’s acceptance of same-sex marriage and the appointment of Bishop Sarah Mullally as the new Archbishop of Canterbury. In a strongly worded statement, the Primate of the Church of Nigeria, the Most Reverend Henry Ndukuba, described the announcement as “devastating” and “insensitive,” accusing the Church of England of ignoring the deep divisions within the global Anglican community.
The Church of Nigeria’s decision comes as a significant blow to the Anglican Communion, with the African province representing a substantial portion of the communion’s membership. The church’s statement emphasized that Bishop Mullally’s support for same-sex marriage and her elevation to the position of Archbishop of Canterbury signify a troubling moral decline within the leadership of the Anglican Communion.
According to the Church of Nigeria, the appointment of Bishop Mullally is a “double jeopardy” that disregards the conviction of the majority of Anglicans who cannot accept female headship in the episcopate and her stance on same-sex marriage. The church recalled Bishop Mullally’s 2023 remarks following a vote by the Church of England to approve blessings for same-sex couples, in which she described the outcome as “a moment of hope” for the Church.
The Church of Nigeria’s statement also expressed disappointment that Bishop Mullally would attempt to mend the already torn fabric of the Anglican Communion, given her stance on same-sex marriage, which has caused enormous crisis across the Communion for over two decades. The church reaffirmed its commitment to the Global Anglican Future Conference (GAFCON) and its principles, urging conservative Anglicans in England and elsewhere to remain steadfast in defending biblical truth and resisting “ungodly” teachings that compromise the Christian faith.
The development marks a significant rift in the Anglican Communion, with the Church of Nigeria making it clear that it can no longer accept the leadership of the Church of England and the Archbishop of Canterbury. The Church of Nigeria’s decision is seen as a major blow to the unity of the Anglican Communion, which has been grappling with the issue of same-sex marriage and LGBTQ+ rights.
The Church of Nigeria’s stance is consistent with its long-held position on the issue, having previously threatened to sever ties with the Church of England over its decision to permit same-sex marriage. The church’s declaration of spiritual independence is a significant escalation of the rift, and its implications for the future of the Anglican Communion remain to be seen.
