Church of Nigeria’s Bold Declaration of Spiritual Independence: Standing Firm on Biblical Truth Amid Anglican Turmoil

In a seismic shift that’s reverberating through the global Christian community, the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) has declared its spiritual independence from the Church of England. This historic move comes in direct response to the appointment of Bishop Sarah Mullally as the new Archbishop of Canterbury—a role that marks her as the first woman to lead the Anglican Communion spiritually.
28
Citing her support for same-sex marriage and what they see as a broader “moral decline” in leadership, Nigerian Anglican leaders are drawing a line in the sand, prioritizing biblical fidelity over institutional ties. As believers worldwide grapple with these developments, this moment calls us to reflect on what it means to hold fast to God’s unchanging Word in a changing world.

If you’re searching for insights on the Church of Nigeria spiritual independence, the Anglican split 2025, or how same-sex marriage continues to divide the church, this post dives deep into the facts, scriptures, and spiritual lessons. Let’s unpack this unfolding story with prayerful hearts.

The Spark: Sarah Mullally’s Appointment as Archbishop of Canterbury

On October 3, 2025, the Church of England announced Dame Sarah Mullally, the current Bishop of London, as the 106th Archbishop of Canterbury, effective January 28, 2026.
31
A trailblazer in her own right—Mullally rose from Chief Nursing Officer in the UK’s National Health Service to one of the church’s highest offices—her selection shattered centuries of male-only tradition in this pivotal role.
36

But for many conservative Anglicans, especially in the Global South, this milestone isn’t one to celebrate. Mullally has publicly supported progressive stances on LGBTQ+ issues, including blessings for same-sex couples, aligning with recent Church of England decisions like the 2023 approval of prayers for same-sex partnerships.
37
Critics argue this represents a departure from core Christian teachings on marriage and sexuality, echoing broader tensions that have simmered since the 1990s.
44

As one X user noted, “The Church of Nigeria has long expressed dissatisfaction with the Church of England’s stance on same-sex marriage and liberal theology, so this ‘spiritual independence’ marks a formal and historic break.”
9
With the Church of Nigeria boasting over 18 million members—the largest Anglican province globally—this isn’t a fringe reaction; it’s a clarion call from the heart of African Christianity.
10

A Resolute Response: The Church of Nigeria’s Declaration

Just three days later, on October 6, 2025, the Church of Nigeria issued a resounding statement of spiritual independence, severing formal spiritual oversight from Canterbury.
0
In their words, Mullally’s elevation “signify a troubling moral decline within the leadership of the Anglican Communion,” particularly her advocacy for same-sex marriage.
2

This isn’t the first time Nigerian Anglicans have pushed back. Back in 2023, they condemned the Church of England‘s move to authorize blessings for same-sex couples as a “fundamental error,” reaffirming their commitment to scriptural authority.
38
And in July 2024, they stood in solidarity with global orthodox groups like GAFCON (Global Anglican Future Conference) against further liturgical innovations.
40

Primate Henry Ndukuba, the Church’s leader, has long emphasized that true Anglicanism isn’t defined by Canterbury’s throne but by fidelity to the Bible. As reactions poured in on X, one believer captured the sentiment: “Standing for God’s truth will always come at a cost. The Church of Nigeria is choosing conviction over compromise… Better to stand alone with truth than to stand united in error.”
18
Another added, “The Church of Nigeria has always stood firm on biblical truth and moral integrity. This decision reflects a commitment to preserving faith over trends.”
22

Imagine the scene: A majestic Nigerian cathedral, its arched roofs and stained-glass windows glowing under the sun, symbolizing resilience amid storms (much like the iconic structure in recent viral images).
18
Here, faith isn’t swayed by Western cultural shifts—it’s anchored in the eternal.

Biblical Foundations: Why This Matters for Marriage, Leadership, and the Church

At its core, this rift isn’t about personalities or politics; it’s a clash over Scripture. The Bible is clear on God’s design for marriage: “Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh” (Genesis 2:24, ESV). Jesus Himself reaffirmed this in Matthew 19:4-6, leaving no room for reinterpretation.

On church leadership, 1 Timothy 3:2 calls overseers to be “the husband of one wife,” a standard that, while not barring women outright in all interpretations, underscores the gravity of moral qualifications. The Church of Nigeria sees Mullally’s views as incompatible with these truths, echoing the 1998 Lambeth Conference resolution that homosexuality is “incompatible with Scripture.”
44

In Nigeria, where cultural values align closely with biblical ones—and laws like the 2014 Same-Sex Marriage Prohibition Act reinforce this—this stance resonates deeply.
42
As one X commenter put it, “You cannot know more than your masters… they introduced you to Christianity, so how do you want to be doing OVERSABI?”
18
Yet, the irony is profound: The colonized now lead in reclaiming the Gospel’s purity.

This declaration aligns with GAFCON’s mission, a movement born in 2008 to preserve orthodox Anglicanism amid Western liberalization.
41
As global bishops prepare for a 2026 gathering in Abuja, Nigeria, the stage is set for a new era of Anglican unity—rooted not in compromise, but in Christ.
24

Global Ripples: What the Anglican Split Means for Christianity Today

This “spiritual independence” could fracture the Anglican Communion further, already strained by issues like the 2003 consecration of an openly gay bishop in the U.S.
44
With Africa hosting over half of the world’s 85 million Anglicans, the Global South’s voice is growing louder, challenging the narrative that progressivism equals faithfulness.
41

Critics on X lament the focus on division: “So instead of focusing on faith and unity, they’re splitting over gender and sexuality again. It’s funny how quick churches claim moral decline when the real issue is their fear of change.”
18
But proponents counter that true unity isn’t uniformity—it’s oneness in truth (Ephesians 4:13). This split may birth a vibrant, Scripture-centered movement, much like the early church’s stand against idolatry.

For Nigerian believers facing persecution and societal pressures, this is empowering. As one post declared, “Of course, we can disagree… On this issue, I completely support the Church of Nigeria in their decision to step away. Period.”
21

A Call to Prayer: Standing Firm in the Faith

Beloved, in these turbulent times, let us heed 2 Timothy 4:2: “Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season.” Pray for the Church of Nigeria—for wisdom, boldness, and protection. Pray for Sarah Mullally and the Church of England—that eyes would open to the Gospel’s transformative power. And pray for yourself: Will you choose cultural accommodation or costly obedience?

The Church of Nigeria’s spiritual independence isn’t rebellion; it’s revival. As the world watches this Anglican split 2025, may it remind us that the gates of hell shall not prevail against the church (Matthew 16:18). Stand firm, friends. The truth endures.

What are your thoughts on this development? Share in the comments—let’s discuss how biblical truth shapes our faith journey. If this post blessed you, subscribe for more gospel insights on church unity, same-sex marriage in Christianity, and standing for Christ.

Photos courtesy of public domain Anglican architecture in Nigeria, symbolizing enduring faith.

Blessings,
Odmdaily.com
Empowering believers with timeless truth in timely moments.