The Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) has rejected the appointment of Bishop Sarah Mullally as the new Archbishop of Canterbury, describing the decision as devastating and insensitive to the deep divisions within the global Anglican family.

In a statement issued by Most Rev’d Henry Ndukuba, the Archbishop, Metropolitan, and Primate of the Church of Nigeria, the church said Mullally’s appointment disregards “the current realities and challenges” facing the worldwide Anglican Communion.

“The news of the appointment of Bishop Sarah Mullally on Friday, 3rd October 2025, as the next Archbishop of Canterbury is devastating — one that ignores the current situation and challenges being faced by the Anglican Communion,” the statement read.

The Church expressed concern over two key issues: first, the appointment of a female head in a role many Anglicans still oppose on theological grounds, and second, Mullally’s open support for same-sex marriage, which has been a long-standing point of contention within the church.

“It is a double jeopardy — in its insensitivity to the conviction of the majority of Anglicans who are unable to embrace female headship in the episcopate, and more disturbing that Bishop Sarah Mullally is a strong supporter of same-sex marriage,” Ndukuba said.

He recalled Mullally’s 2023 speech following the Church of England’s vote to approve blessings for same-sex couples, where she described the decision as a “moment of hope for the Church.”

The Nigerian Anglican leadership questioned how Mullally, an advocate of same-sex blessings, could possibly unify the Communion, which has faced decades of division over doctrine and sexuality.

“It remains to be seen how she hopes to mend the already torn fabric of the Anglican Communion caused by the same-sex marriage controversy,” the statement continued.

The Church of Nigeria reaffirmed its membership in the Global Anglican Future Conference (GAFCON) movement, which stands for biblical orthodoxy, evangelism, and upholding traditional Christian teaching.

“We reaffirm our earlier stance to uphold the authority of the Scriptures and holy Christian living, irrespective of the ongoing revisionist agenda,” Ndukuba said, quoting Matthew 16:18 — “the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.”

He also encouraged faithful members of the Church of England who reject same-sex marriage to “contend for the faith that was once delivered to the saints” (Jude 1:3).

Mullally’s appointment — approved by King Charles III upon the recommendation of the church’s nomination committee — marks a historic moment as she becomes the first woman to serve as Archbishop of Canterbury. She succeeds Justin Welby, who resigned earlier this year amid an abuse scandal.

At 63, Mullally becomes the 106th Archbishop of Canterbury, leading the Church of England, the mother church of the global Anglican Communion that traces its origins to the sixth century.