The Anglican Church in Nigeria has issued a forceful rebuke to the Church of England following the appointment of Sarah Mullally as the new Archbishop of Canterbury—marking her as the first female to hold that office. Nigerian church leaders labeled her elevation not only “disturbing” and “devastating,” but also incompatible with their beliefs and historic Christian doctrine.
At 63 years of age, Mullally was selected to succeed Justin Welby, whose tenure was marred by revelations about mishandled abuse allegations. Mullally continues too closely in Welby’s doctrinal footsteps—while also bringing a liberal political agenda. Her support for same-sex marriage, particularly visible in a 2023 speech celebrating “blessings of homosexuals,” has drawn fierce condemnation from conservative Anglicans.
In their official statement, Nigerian primate Henry C. Ndukuba and the Church of Nigeria decried Mullally’s appointment as an “insensitive” move that disregards the convictions of the majority of Anglicans who reject female episcopal headship. They accused the decision of further fracturing an already torn Communion—especially after years of conflict over same-sex unions.
The Nigerian leadership made clear that they no longer consider themselves bound to recognize the authority of Canterbury under this new leadership. The statement reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to Scripture, historic creeds, evangelism, and “holy Christian living,” and warned that they would resist a “revisionist agenda.” They also called on faithful Anglicans within England to stand firm against doctrinal corruption.
This dramatic rupture underscores the deep fault lines now splitting global Anglicanism. When a leader’s theology and moral positions depart so sharply from Biblical orthodoxy, unity becomes impossible. Nigeria’s break demonstrates that local churches may no longer accept governance that undermines foundational Christian beliefs in pursuit of liberal social agendas.
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