In a strongly worded statement, the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) has expressed profound disapproval of the appointment of Bishop Sarah Mullally as the new Archbishop of Canterbury, labeling the decision as both “devastating” and “insensitive” to the deeply held convictions of the majority within the global Anglican Communion. The statement, issued by the Most Rev’d Henry Ndukuba, Archbishop, Metropolitan, and Primate of the Church of Nigeria, articulates concerns that the appointment disregards the ongoing divisions and theological tensions that have plagued the Anglican Communion for decades. This development, announced on Friday, October 3, 2025, has sparked significant controversy, particularly among conservative factions within the global Anglican body.
The Church of Nigeria’s critique centers on two primary issues. First, it argues that Mullally’s appointment is insensitive to the significant portion of Anglicans worldwide who do not accept female headship in the episcopate. The selection of a woman as the spiritual leader of the Anglican Communion, a role that carries immense symbolic and practical weight, is seen by some as a departure from traditional ecclesiastical norms. For many in the Church of Nigeria and other conservative Anglican provinces, the episcopal role has historically been reserved for men, a position rooted in their interpretation of biblical teachings and church tradition. The appointment of a female archbishop, therefore, represents a significant challenge to their theological framework.
The second, and perhaps more contentious, issue raised by the Church of Nigeria is Bishop Mullally’s public support for same-sex marriage and blessings. The statement specifically references a 2023 speech in which Mullally described a vote to approve blessings for same-sex couples as a “moment of hope for the Church.” This stance places her at odds with many Anglican provinces, particularly those in the Global South, including Nigeria, which have consistently opposed the liberalization of teachings on sexuality. The Church of Nigeria argues that Mullally’s advocacy for same-sex blessings makes her an unsuitable candidate to lead a communion already fractured by disagreements over this very issue.
The appointment of Bishop Sarah Mullally as the 106th Archbishop of Canterbury marks a historic milestone, as she becomes the first woman to hold this prestigious position. Approved by King Charles III following the recommendation of a nomination committee, Mullally’s ascension to the role follows the resignation of her predecessor, Justin Welby, who stepped down earlier in 2025 amid a scandal involving the Church of England’s handling of abuse allegations. At 63, Mullally brings a wealth of experience to the role, having served as the Bishop of London since 2018 and previously as a bishop in the Diocese of Crediton. Her background as a former nurse and her reputation as a pragmatic and pastoral leader have been highlighted by supporters as strengths that she brings to the position.
However, the Church of Nigeria’s statement underscores the deep divisions within the Anglican Communion, which comprises approximately 85 million members across 165 countries. For more than two decades, the communion has been grappling with theological and doctrinal disagreements, particularly around issues of human sexuality. The debate over same-sex marriage and the ordination of openly gay clergy has created significant rifts, with conservative provinces, such as Nigeria, Uganda, and Rwanda, often at odds with more progressive provinces, including those in the United States, Canada, and parts of the United Kingdom. The Church of Nigeria argues that Mullally’s appointment exacerbates these tensions, describing it as a “double jeopardy” that ignores both the opposition to female episcopal leadership and the ongoing controversy over same-sex blessings.
The statement from Archbishop Ndukuba questions how Mullally, given her progressive stance, can effectively unify a communion that is already “torn” by these contentious issues. The Nigerian church suggests that her leadership may further alienate conservative provinces, potentially deepening the schism within the global Anglican family. The Church of Nigeria’s position is rooted in its commitment to what it describes as the authority of Scripture, historic creeds, evangelism, and holy Christian living. These principles, it argues, are non-negotiable and must be upheld despite what it perceives as a “revisionist agenda” within parts of the Anglican Communion, particularly the Church of England.
The Church of Nigeria’s statement also reaffirms its alignment with the Global Anglican Future Conference (GAFCON), a movement of conservative Anglican provinces and churches that emerged in 2008 as a response to the growing liberalization of certain Anglican bodies. GAFCON has positioned itself as a defender of traditional Anglican doctrine, emphasizing biblical authority and opposing theological shifts on issues such as sexuality. By invoking its membership in GAFCON, the Church of Nigeria signals its intention to remain steadfast in its conservative convictions, regardless of the direction taken by the Church of England or the Archbishop of Canterbury.
Archbishop Ndukuba’s statement also includes a call to action for Anglicans within the Church of England who share the Church of Nigeria’s opposition to same-sex marriage and related teachings. Quoting Jude 1:3, he encourages these “faithful members” to “contend for the faith that was once delivered to the saints.” This exhortation reflects a broader strategy among conservative Anglican groups to maintain their influence within the communion, even as they distance themselves from the leadership of Canterbury. For the Church of Nigeria, the appointment of Mullally is further evidence that the Church of England can no longer be regarded as the unifying center of the Anglican Communion.
The historical significance of Mullally’s appointment cannot be overstated. As the mother church of the Anglican Communion, the Church of England holds a unique position, with the Archbishop of Canterbury serving as the spiritual leader and a focal point of unity for Anglicans worldwide. The role, which traces its origins to the sixth century, carries responsibilities that extend beyond the Church of England to the global communion. However, the Church of Nigeria’s statement suggests that this historic appointment may undermine rather than strengthen that unity, given the theological and cultural divides that persist within the communion.
The controversy surrounding Mullally’s appointment highlights the broader challenges facing the Anglican Communion in the 21st century. As the communion navigates issues of gender, sexuality, and authority, it must also contend with the diverse cultural and theological contexts of its member churches. The Church of Nigeria, with its significant membership and influence within the Global South, represents a powerful voice in this ongoing debate. Its rejection of Mullally’s leadership raises questions about the future of the Anglican Communion and whether it can maintain its unity in the face of such profound disagreements.
For her part, Bishop Mullally has yet to publicly respond to the Church of Nigeria’s statement. Her supporters within the Church of England and other progressive Anglican provinces are likely to view her appointment as a step forward in promoting inclusivity and diversity within the church. Her experience as a bishop and her reputation for fostering dialogue may serve her well as she navigates the complex dynamics of her new role. However, the Church of Nigeria’s statement makes clear that her leadership will face significant challenges, particularly from conservative provinces that feel marginalized by the direction of the Church of England.
In conclusion, the appointment of Bishop Sarah Mullally as the first female Archbishop of Canterbury has elicited a strong reaction from the Church of Nigeria, which sees the decision as a further indication of the Church of England’s divergence from traditional Anglican values. The Nigerian church’s statement reflects broader tensions within the Anglican Communion, which has been grappling with issues of doctrine, sexuality, and leadership for decades. As Mullally assumes her historic role, the question of how she will address these divisions remains unanswered. For the Church of Nigeria and its allies within GAFCON, the path forward involves a steadfast commitment to their understanding of biblical truth, even if it means distancing themselves from the leadership of Canterbury. The coming years will likely test the resilience of the Anglican Communion as it seeks to balance unity with diversity in an increasingly polarized world.
