Church of Nigeria Cuts Ties with Church of England over Appointment of Archbishop Sarah Mullally

The Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) has severed ties with the Church of England after Bishop Sarah Mullally’s appointment as Archbishop of Canterbury.

It condemned her support for same-sex marriage and female episcopal leadership.

The Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) has officially cut spiritual ties with the Church of England following the appointment of Bishop Sarah Mullally as the new Archbishop of Canterbury.

In a statement signed by the Primate of the Church of Nigeria, the Most Rev’d Henry C. Ndukuba, the Church criticised the decision announced on Friday, October 3, 2025, describing it as both “devastating” and “insensitive.”

According to the statement, the move reflects what it called a “deep moral and theological collapse” within the global Anglican leadership.

“This election represents a double tragedy,” the statement read. “It not only disregards the belief of millions of Anglicans who do not accept female leadership in the episcopate, but it is also alarming that Bishop Sarah Mullally has been a vocal advocate of same-sex marriage.”

The Nigerian Church recalled Bishop Mullally’s 2023 remarks after the Church of England voted to approve blessings for same-sex couples comments she had referred to then as “a moment of hope” for the Church. The statement said her stance had already worsened divisions within the Communion.

“It is difficult to understand how someone who supported such a divisive policy now intends to heal the deep rifts threatening the unity of the Anglican family,” the Church added.