Church of Nigeria Breaks with Church of England over Same-Sex Marriage

The Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) has declared full spiritual independence from the Church of England, citing the appointment of Bishop Sarah Mullally as Archbishop of Canterbury and her public affirmation of stance on same-sex marriage.

In a statement issued in Abuja on Tuesday, Primate Archbishop Henry Ndukuba said Mullally’s elevation “confirms the moral collapse within the leadership of the Church of England,” adding that the Nigerian province will no longer acknowledge Canterbury’s authority in matters of doctrine or spiritual oversight.

“The Church of Nigeria hereby declares spiritual independence from the Church of England. We cannot walk in fellowship with a body that blesses what Scripture forbids,” the statement read.

Mullally’s Appointment

Bishop Sarah Mullally, formerly Bishop of London, was confirmed last week as Archbishop of Canterbury, succeeding Justin Welby. While her appointment has been hailed in the UK as a milestone for gender inclusion, it has heightened tensions with conservative Anglican provinces in Africa, Asia, and Latin America, where traditional teachings on marriage remain the norm.

Archbishop Ndukuba said the move represents “a tragic break with biblical orthodoxy,” arguing that celebrating same-sex unions crosses a line the Nigerian church “cannot in good conscience” follow.

Nigeria’s Position and Scale

With more than 18 million active members across 10,000+ parishes, the Church of Nigeria is the Anglican Communion’s largest province. It has long resisted liberal reforms, restating that marriage is between one man and one woman. Tuesday’s declaration reaffirms loyalty to “the authority of God’s Word” and an intention to operate apart from Western ecclesiastical structures.

“We remain Anglicans,but not under Canterbury,” the statement said.

What “Spiritual Independence” Means

The Church of Nigeria says it will no longer seek recognition from Canterbury for faith, ordination, or international representation. Instead, it will align with provinces that share its convictions, notably through the Global South Fellowship of Anglican Churches (GSFA) and GAFCON. The decision also clears the way to ordain bishops, forge partnerships, and convene global gatherings independently.

A Rift Years in the Making

The split caps two decades of strain, dating to the 2003 consecration of Gene Robinson, an openly gay bishop in the U.S. church. In 2008, conservative provinces launched GAFCON in Jerusalem, boycotted successive Lambeth Conferences, and pushed for structural realignment.

Support across Africa was swift. Uganda, which distanced itself from the Church of England in 2023 after blessings for same-sex unions, praised Nigeria’s “courage and conviction.” Kenya also expressed solidarity, saying it “cannot remain in fellowship with those who reject biblical teaching on marriage.” Statements from Rwanda, Tanzania, and Sudan are expected to follow.

England’s Response

Archbishop Sarah Mullally urged dialogue and reconciliation, saying the Church must reflect “the radical hospitality of Jesus” while acknowledging “deep pain and disagreement” within the Communion. Nigerian leaders dismissed the appeal as a cultural reinterpretation of Scripture.

Analysts say the move could accelerate an Anglican realignment in which leadership and theological gravity shift further toward the Global South. GSFA and GAFCON have floated plans for a new council of primates independent of Canterbury. With more than 60% of Anglicans now in Africa, observers describe the trend as a “decolonisation” of Anglican authority.

The Church of Nigeria plans to intensify mission work, expand theological training, and grow partnerships with like-minded churches in the U.S., Asia, and Latin America. A national synod later this year is expected to ratify the declaration and outline operational details.

“This is not a time for fear but for faith,” Archbishop Ndukuba said. “We stand for truth,and truth will stand.”