Nigeria’s Anglican Church Severs Ties Over Pro-Gay Female Archbishop

The Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) has formally declared its spiritual independence from the Church of England in reaction to the appointment of Bishop Sarah Mullally as the new Archbishop of Canterbury. The announcement, made on October 3, 2025, has been described by the Nigerian Church leadership as “devastating” and “profoundly insensitive” to the convictions of the majority of Anglicans worldwide.

In a strong statement issued by the Most Reverend Henry C. Ndukuba, Primate of the Church of Nigeria, the decision by the Church of England to elevate Mullally— the first woman to hold the position in its 1,400-year history—was called a “double jeopardy” for Anglican faith and unity. The Nigerian Church emphasized two critical concerns: firstly, the disregard for the widespread Anglican opposition to female leadership in episcopal roles; and secondly, Mullally’s vocal support for same-sex marriage, which challenges traditional biblical teachings.

The statement specifically referenced Mullally’s 2023 remarks celebrating the Church of England’s vote to bless same-sex couples, a stance the Nigerian Church views as incompatible with scriptural authority and the historic creeds that underpin Anglican doctrine. “It remains unclear how someone who upholds same-sex marriage can hope to heal the already fractured fabric of the Anglican Communion,” the statement added.

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Reaffirming its alliance with the Global Anglican Future Conference (GAFCON)—a fellowship of conservative Anglican provinces including Nigeria, Rwanda, and Uganda—the Church of Nigeria vowed to continue upholding biblical authority, evangelism, and holy living despite what it describes as “the ongoing revisionist agenda” within the Anglican Communion.

The Church of Nigeria’s spiritual break signifies a deepening fracture within global Anglicanism, which has long been divided over issues of sexuality and church leadership roles for women. The Primate urged conservative Anglicans in England and worldwide to stand resolutely in defense of what he called “scriptural truth” amid these contentious changes.

“We encourage all faithful brothers and sisters in the Church of England who have resisted the aberration called same-sex marriage to continue contending for the faith once delivered to the saints,” the statement concluded, invoking Jude 1:3.

Bishop Sarah Mullally, formerly the Bishop of London and a former Government Chief Nursing Officer for England, assumes leadership of the Church of England and the Anglican Communion amid these turbulent times. Her appointment, while historic, has been met with praise from liberal factions and condemnation from conservative provinces, underscoring the ongoing struggle that threatens to redefine the future of one of the world’s largest Christian denominations.

This development marks a significant moment in Anglican history as the Church of Nigeria, representing nearly 80 percent of global Anglicans, formally dissociates from the historic seat of Anglicanism in England, signaling a realignment of faith and authority within the communion.

The installation of Archbishop Mullally is expected to take place at Canterbury Cathedral in March 2026, as the global Anglican community watches closely how this leadership change will impact unity and doctrine.

This story remains developing as the Anglican Communion navigates these historic shifts in leadership and theology.