Church of Nigeria threatens to break away from Church of England over same-sex marriage
The Church of Nigeria has warned it may sever ties with the Church of England following the latter’s General Synod vote to approve same-sex marriage, creating a significant rift within the global Anglican Communion.
The Nigerian church, one of the largest in the communion, condemned the decision as a violation of biblical teachings and announced it would no longer recognize the authority of the Church of England if it proceeds with the move.
The Church of England’s General Synod narrowly approved same-sex marriage, with 95 votes for and 91 against in the House of Laity, and 99 votes for and 88 against in the House of Clergy. While LGBTQ+ advocates hailed the decision as a victory, it has sparked outrage among conservative Anglicans.
Archbishop Henry Ndukuba, Primate of the Church of Nigeria, issued a statement titled ‘Church Of Nigeria Response To The Approval of The Living In Love And Faith Liturgy By The Church of England’, calling the decision a critical juncture for the communion.
He warned that it would lead to a broken sacramental communion between the two churches. “Should the Archbishop of Canterbury and the Church of England proceed to give effect to the Approval of the Living in Love and Faith Liturgy and allow their clergy to engage in same-sex marriage, the Church of England risks the danger of a broken sacramental communion with the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) and other faithful Anglican provinces,” Ndukuba stated.
“This move would mark a critical point in the life of the Anglican Communion, jeopardizing its future. We commend the bishops, clergy, and laity who have stood for Scripture as the authority and guide of the Church in doctrine, worship, and living. Their courage and conviction are a testament to the enduring power of Scripture.”
To support these Anglicans, Ndukuba emphasized ongoing interactions with like-minded organizations such as GAFCON, GSFA, CEEC, and the Alliance. He reaffirmed the Church of Nigeria’s commitment to biblical teachings, even in the face of adversity, quoting John 8:32: “Through this stance, we affirm our dedication to upholding the biblical teachings that have guided the Church for centuries.”
The Nigerian church has been a vocal opponent of same-sex marriage and has previously threatened to break away from the communion over the issue. This latest move represents a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict between conservative and liberal factions within the Anglican Communion.
