Nigeria’s Anglican Church Rejects Appointment of Sarah Mullally as Archbishop of Canterbury

The Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) has rejected the appointment of Bishop Sarah Mullally as the new Archbishop of Canterbury and head of the worldwide Anglican Church.

In a statement issued by the Archbishop, Metropolitan and Primate of the Church of Nigeria, the Most Reverend Henry C. Ndukuba, the church described Mullally’s appointment as “insensitive” to the convictions of the majority of Anglicans who do not accept female headship in the episcopate.

The statement, which came in response to the announcement of Mullally’s election on Friday, October 3, 2025, expressed deep concern over what it termed a disregard for the unity and doctrinal integrity of the global Anglican Communion. Archbishop Ndukuba noted that the decision represents “a double jeopardy” — first, for disregarding opposition to female episcopal leadership, and second, for elevating a cleric known to support same-sex marriage.

Citing Mullally’s 2023 remarks following a vote to bless same-sex unions, in which she described the outcome as “a moment of hope for the Church,” the Church of Nigeria said her appointment further deepens existing divisions. “It remains to be seen how the same person hopes to mend the already torn fabric of the Anglican Communion,” the statement read.

The Church warned that the development affirms the growing separation between the orthodox bloc of the Anglican Communion — represented by the Global Fellowship of Confessing Anglicans (GAFCON), which includes the Church of Nigeria — and the Church of England.

“As a member of the GAFCON family, the Church of Nigeria reaffirms its commitment to uphold the authority of Scripture, the historic creeds, evangelism, and holy Christian living, regardless of the ongoing revisionist agenda,” the statement declared.

It also urged Anglicans in the Church of England who oppose same-sex marriage and related teachings to remain steadfast in defending traditional Christian doctrine.

“May the Spirit of the Good Shepherd continue to guide His Church,” the statement concluded.