Nigerian Church Asserts Transformative Path as Moral Conscience of Western Anglicanism

The leader of the Church of Nigeria, Most Rev’d Dr. Henry C. Ndukuba, denounced the Church of England’s announcement, describing it as a “double jeopardy” and “insensitive.” He warned that the decision would deepen divisions within the Anglican Communion and further weaken its unity. The Church reaffirmed its allegiance to the Global Anglican Future Conference (GAFCON) and its biblical stance.

African Currents spoke to two clerics from the Nigerian Anglican Communion to understand the implications of its decision to break ties with the Church of England for believers in Africa and the wider Global South.

Rev. Ayodeji M. Ayodele, an Anglican priest and theologian, explained that the Nigerian Church’s move underscores Scripture’s authority and urges the African Church to move beyond being viewed as a branch of Western Christianity.

"It is not merely a political administrative separation; it is a declaration that the authority of scripture, not the decisions of the Western Church, defines our doctrine, discipline, and moral life. In practical terms, this means that the Church of Nigeria will now regulate its own episcopal doctrinal and liturgical affairs [...]. The Church of England's influence has shifted from being spiritually directive to merely symbolic. Many now see it as a regional church, among others, not the moral compass of a worldwide communion," Rev. Ayodele expressed.

Ven. Osagie Sylvester Aimiehinor, a Religious Studies lecturer at the University on the Niger, Umunya, Anambra State, Nigeria, argued that the Church of England no longer reflects core biblical teachings, in contrast to the Nigerian Church’s commitment to scriptural authority and its role as the conscience of the global Anglican Communion.

"Even animals don't practice same-sex marriage, let alone humans, that have intellect [...]. The Africans see leadership as a sacred responsibility, not necessarily a social change [...]. Inclusivity doesn't negate or destroy biblical principle. I believe in inclusivity, but I still believe what makes us Anglican is because of the scripture. We believe solely in the scripture; anything contrary to the scripture can never be accepted [...]. Without Africa, there's no Western world. Unfortunately, when you disagree with the West on some issue, they will say you are backward. Africa is not backward, unfortunately, because we refuse to align ourselves with their immoral teachings, with their so-called civilization [...]. The Global South is becoming the next authority of morality for the Anglican community worldwide," Ven. Aimiehinor said.

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