Clergy from a conservative wing of the Anglican Church in Nigeria are convening this week in Abuja to select an alternative leader in opposition to the appointment of Sarah Mullally as the first female Archbishop of Canterbury.
Archbishop Mullally, set to be formally installed later this month, has sparked debate within the global Anglican community. While many welcome her historic leadership, conservative factions in Nigeria argue that episcopal positions should remain exclusively male.
The four-day Gafcon meeting, beginning Tuesday, aims to elect a “first among equals” to serve as the spiritual head for their network, effectively challenging Canterbury’s authority. Gafcon, founded in 2008, claims to represent “authentic Anglicans” defending traditional doctrines, including opposition to same-sex unions and, now, female bishops.
Observers warn that this move could solidify divisions within the Anglican Communion, potentially leading to a permanent schism. Emeritus Professor Diarmaid MacCulloch of Oxford University described the planned election as “a very aggressive step” that underscores the widening rift between progressive and conservative provinces.
The debate highlights broader tensions over colonial legacies and global representation. While Gafcon draws much of its support from Africa, including Nigeria, not all African churches oppose Archbishop Mullally. For instance, the Anglican Church of Southern Africa and Kenya’s first female bishop, Emily Onyango, have endorsed her leadership.
Despite internal disagreements, the Archbishop of Canterbury remains the recognized spiritual leader of nearly 95 million Anglicans worldwide, serving as “primus inter pares” among the Communion’s 42 provinces. Bishop Anthony Poggo, Secretary-General of the Anglican Communion, emphasized that member churches wishing to leave the Communion should follow established procedures, a process Gafcon refuses to recognize.
Meanwhile, congregations across Nigeria are divided. At Lagos’ Vining Memorial Church Cathedral, some worshippers celebrated Mullally’s appointment as a fulfillment of divine calling, while others, citing biblical tradition, expressed concern over a woman leading the global church.
As the Communion faces this moment of tension, questions remain about its unity, the future of shared governance, and the ability of conservative and progressive factions to coexist within one global church.
The upcoming June meeting of the Anglican Consultative Council (ACC) is expected to discuss broader reforms aimed at reflecting the Communion’s global diversity, though Gafcon members have announced they will abstain from the session.
With historic milestones intersecting with deep doctrinal disputes, the Anglican Communion now confronts a pivotal moment in its 21st-century evolution.
