The Church of Nigeria, representing over 18 million Anglicans, has declared spiritual independence from the Church of England, citing the recent appointment of a new archbishop who supports abortion as emblematic of the English church’s departure from biblical orthodoxy on life and family issues.
The move comes after the Church of England confirmed Dame Sarah Mullally, the former Bishop of London, as Archbishop of Canterbury last week, making her the first woman in the role in nearly 500 years.
She claims to be personally opposed to abortion, but with other people killing babies. That is a hypocritical position for a Christian. Christians wouldn’t say they are personally opposed to rape or child abuse, but fine with other people engaging in such evil and illegal behaviors. Somehow she thinks killing babies in abortions is different, despite the logical failings of the position.
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In interviews and public comments, Mullally has explicitly stated, “I would suspect that I would describe my approach to this issue as pro-choice rather than pro-life.”
During her time as Chief Nursing Officer for England from 1999 to 2004, she pushed for the National Health Service to provide abortions, while claiming personal opposition to the procedure but supporting others’ access to it.
From a pro-life viewpoint, Mullally’s elevation underscores the Church of England’s moral decay, prioritizing inclusivity over the protection of innocent life and traditional biblical values.
The Church of Nigeria’s decision highlights growing resistance among Global South Anglicans to such liberal shifts, affirming that true faithfulness demands rejecting leadership that endorses the killing of unborn babies.
Archbishop Henry Ndukuba of the Church of Nigeria announced the break, stating, “The Church of Nigeria hereby declares spiritual independence from the Church of England. We can no longer walk together with a body that has chosen to bless sin and reject the clear teaching of Scripture.”
He described Mullally’s appointment as “a tragic departure from biblical orthodoxy,” adding, “Her appointment marks a tragic departure from biblical orthodoxy. By elevating a bishop who celebrates same-sex unions, the Church of England has crossed a line we cannot in good conscience follow.”
While the Nigerian declaration primarily addresses same-sex marriage blessings, pro-life observers see the abortion stance as part of the same erosion of scriptural authority on life issues. “We remain Anglicans — but not under Canterbury. Our loyalty is to Christ and the truth of His Word, not to institutions that have abandoned it,” Ndukuba said.
He emphasized, “The Bible does not evolve with public opinion,” positioning the split as a stand for unchanging truth, including the defense of the unborn.
The Church of Nigeria, the largest Anglican province worldwide, plans to maintain ties with like-minded global partners through groups like the Global Anglican Future Conference. Supporting voices from Africa, including Archbishop Stephen Kaziimba Mugalu of Uganda, affirmed, “Nigeria has taken a necessary stand. We will continue to walk together as brothers in Christ, committed to the authority of Scripture.”
The Nigerian synod is set to ratify the independence later this year.
