The Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) has rejected the appointment of Bishop Sarah Mullally as the new Archbishop of Canterbury-designate, declaring “spiritual independence” from the Church of England. The Church cited Mullally’s support for same-sex blessings and her appointment as the first female to the office as signs of what it described as a moral and theological decline.
Mullally, 63, was announced on October 3 as the 106th Archbishop of Canterbury, following her selection by the Crown Nominations Commission and formal approval in England. Her appointment, hailed internationally as historic, has drawn criticism from conservative Anglican leaders, particularly in Africa. In a statement released to clergy and posted online, the Church of Nigeria said the Church of England’s stance on human sexuality and the decision to appoint a woman as primate meant it could no longer accept Canterbury’s spiritual authority. The statement referenced Mullally’s earlier comments describing same-sex blessings as a “moment of hope,” saying such views would “deepen the wounds” already dividing the Anglican Communion.
The Global Anglican Future Conference (GAFCON), a conservative network of dioceses and primates, backed Nigeria’s position, stating that Mullally’s appointment “abandons global Anglicans” and reaffirming its commitment to alternative structures of fellowship for provinces rejecting changes related to gender and sexuality. Supporters of Mullally, however, have emphasized the historic significance of her appointment and called for unity within the Communion. International coverage has noted that while the decision is celebrated among progressives, it further highlights the long-standing divide between Anglican provinces over women’s leadership and same-sex relationships.
Source: https://newsmakerslive.org/
