The Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) has formally declared its spiritual independence from the Church of England, rejecting the appointment of Bishop Sarah Mullally as the new Archbishop of Canterbury.

In a statement issued by the Primate, Most Reverend Henry Ndukuba, the Church described Mullally’s appointment on October 3, 2025, as “devastating” and “insensitive,” citing her support for same-sex marriage and her emergence as the first female Archbishop of Canterbury as evidence of a “moral decline” within Anglican leadership.

“This election disregards the conviction of the majority of Anglicans who cannot accept female headship in the episcopate. It is also deeply troubling that Bishop Mullally supports same-sex marriage,” the statement said.

The Church recalled Mullally’s 2023 remarks endorsing blessings for same-sex couples, calling it a “moment of hope,” and warned that such positions threaten the unity of the Anglican Communion.

Declaring that the global Anglican community can no longer accept the leadership of the Church of England or the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Church of Nigeria reaffirmed its allegiance to the Global Anglican Future Conference (GAFCON) and its principles.

“As part of the GAFCON family, we remain committed to upholding the authority of the Scriptures, historic creeds, evangelism, and holy Christian living, regardless of ongoing revisionist trends,” the statement added.

The Church also urged conservative Anglicans worldwide to remain steadfast in defending biblical truth against teachings that compromise the Christian faith.