The Church of Nigeria has expressed strong disapproval over the appointment of Bishop Sarah Mullally as the new Archbishop of Canterbury, describing the decision as insensitive and disappointing.
According to a statement issued on Friday, October 3, 2025, and obtained by Mediaplusng.com, the Church says the appointment ignores the challenges currently facing the global Anglican Communion. It describes the choice of Bishop Mullally as a double blow—first, for disregarding the convictions of many Anglicans who do not support female headship in the episcopate, and second, for selecting someone who openly supports same-sex marriage.
The statement recalls Bishop Mullally’s 2023 speech following the Church of England’s decision to bless same-sex unions, where she called the vote “a moment of hope for the Church.” The Church of Nigeria says such views have deepened divisions within the Communion and questioned how she intends to heal a crisis that has lasted for more than two decades.
In its position, reported by Mediaplusng.com, the Church of Nigeria reaffirms its full support for the GAFCON movement and its commitment to uphold the authority of the Scriptures, the historic creeds, evangelism, and holy Christian living. The Church maintains that despite modern pressures and revisionist teachings, Jesus Christ remains the foundation of the Church, and “the gates of hell shall not prevail against it” (Matthew 16:18).
The Primate of the Church of Nigeria, The Most Rev’d Henry C. Ndukuba, called on faithful Anglicans in England who reject same-sex marriage and other unbiblical doctrines to continue standing firm in their faith. He prayed that the Spirit of the Good Shepherd would continue to guide and strengthen the global Church.
