Largest Anglican Province Breaks with C. of E. Over Female Archbishop

Henry Ndukuba and Sarah Mullally. Source: Facebook

ABUJA — The Church of Nigeria, the world’s largest Anglican province with over 18 million members, declared full spiritual independence from the Church of England on Tuesday, citing the appointment of Sarah Mullally as Archbishop of Canterbury. Mullally, the first woman and an advocate for same-sex marriage, was confirmed last week, succeeding Justin Welby.

In a statement from Abuja, Abp. Henry Ndukuba, Primate of Nigeria, called Mullally’s elevation “the final confirmation of moral decay” in the Church of England, accusing it of abandoning biblical teachings. “We can no longer walk with a body that blesses sin,” he said, announcing Nigeria’s refusal to recognize Canterbury’s authority in doctrinal matters.

The Nigerian church, part of the conservative Global South Fellowship of Anglican Churches (GSFA) and Global Anglican Future Conference (GAFCON), will operate independently, aligning only with provinces sharing its stance on biblical marriage. Support came swiftly from Uganda and Kenya, signaling a broader African realignment.

This move, described by scholars as the “decolonization of Anglicanism,” may reshape the Communion, with Africa’s growing influence challenging England’s historical dominance. The Nigerian Synod will meet later this year to formalize its independent path.

Roughly 55 to 60 percent of Anglicans live in Africa while 30 to 35 percent live in the British Isles. Moreover, the Anglican Church is growing rapidly in Africa while the Church of England's membership is dwindling quickly.

Previously, the UOJ published a discussion on how the Church of England's creeping liberalism dashed hopes for reunion between the Anglican and Orthodox churches.

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