The Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) has strongly opposed the appointment of the Rt. Rev. Sarah Mullally as the next Archbishop of Canterbury, describing the decision as “devastating” and “insensitive” to the convictions of the majority of Anglicans worldwide.
In an official statement issued on Monday, October 6, 2025, and signed by the Primate of the Church of Nigeria, The Most Rev’d Henry C. Ndukuba, the Church expressed deep concern that the appointment disregards biblical authority and the long-standing crises that have plagued the Anglican Communion over same-sex marriage and female episcopal leadership.
The statement noted that Bishop Mullally’s election represents “a double jeopardy”—first, for ignoring the beliefs of Anglicans who reject female headship within the episcopate, and second, for appointing a bishop who openly supports same-sex marriage.
“It remains to be seen how the same person hopes to mend the already torn fabric of the Anglican Communion,” the statement read, referencing Bishop Mullally’s 2023 speech in which she described the Church of England’s decision to bless same-sex marriages as ‘a moment of hope for the Church’.
The Church of Nigeria said the development further confirms that the global Anglican community can no longer accept the leadership of the Church of England or the Archbishop of Canterbury.
Reaffirming its membership in the Global Anglican Future Conference (GAFCON) movement, the Church pledged its unwavering commitment to uphold “the authority of the Scriptures, the historic creeds, evangelism, and holy Christian living,” rejecting what it described as a “revisionist agenda.”
“We affirm unreservedly the GAFCON position and reaffirm our stance to uphold the authority of Scripture… believing that our Lord Jesus Christ has built His church and ‘the gates of hell shall not prevail against it,’” Archbishop Ndukuba stated.
He encouraged faithful Anglicans in the Church of England who oppose same-sex marriage and other non-biblical practices to remain steadfast in “contending for the faith once delivered to the saints.”
The Church concluded its statement with a prayer for divine guidance, invoking “the Spirit of the Good Shepherd” to continue to lead His Church through these challenging times.
