Schism in the Church of England: Nigeria announces severance of relations with the Church of England

The Anglican Church of Nigeria, the world’s largest Anglican congregation with more than 18 million believers, has declared its «spiritual independence» and ceased communion with the Church of England. The reason for such a decisive step was a deep disagreement with the liberal reforms carried out by the center, in particular, with the decision to bless same-sex unions.

According to Kath.Net, in an official statement on October 3, the primate of the Church of Nigeria, Archbishop Henry Ndukuba, said that his congregation could not continue fellowship with a structure that «has decided to bless sin and reject the clear teaching of Scripture.» The move signifies a complete severance of spiritual, doctrinal and organizational ties.

It is noted that the Church of England leadership’s liberal stance on gender equality and same-sex «marriage» has long drawn sharp criticism from conservative Anglican congregations in Africa, Asia and Latin America. The Church of Nigeria’s decision was the culmination of years of doctrinal conflict.

The Church of Nigeria concluded its address by reaffirming its firm commitment to «the authority of the Word of God and the unchanging gospel of Christ.» The congregation emphasized that it will continue to adhere to the traditional biblical understanding of marriage as a union solely between a man and a woman.

Recall, for the first time in the history of the Church of England the post of Archbishop of Canterbury will be occupied by a woman. on October 3, 2025, this position will officially take the Bishop of London Sarah Mullally. This appointment marks an important milestone in the development of the Anglican Church and the national life of Great Britain.