The Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) has declared spiritual independence from the Church of England following the appointment of Bishop Sarah Mullally as Archbishop of Canterbury, citing her stance on same-sex marriage and female leadership as signs of moral decline.
The Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) has declared spiritual independence from the Church of England, rejecting the appointment of Bishop Sarah Mullally as the new Archbishop of Canterbury.
In a statement signed by the Primate, the Most Rev’d Henry C. Ndukuba, the Church described the development as “devastating” and “insensitive,” accusing the Church of England of deepening existing divisions within the Anglican Communion.
“This election is a double jeopardy. First, it disregards the conviction of the majority of Anglicans who cannot accept female headship in the episcopate; and second, it is more disturbing that Bishop Sarah Mullally is a strong supporter of same-sex marriage,” the statement said.
Citing Mullally’s past remarks supporting same-sex blessings, the Church said her views threaten the unity of global Anglicans.
Reaffirming its loyalty to GAFCON, the Church urged conservative Anglicans to “defend biblical truth” and reject “ungodly teachings that compromise the Christian faith.”