As a priest of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), I continue to observe with deep concern and spiritual discernment the unfolding developments within the global Anglican landscape. Recent events across the Communion reveal both encouraging signs and deep theological challenges—reminding us of the urgent need for clarity, prayer, and unwavering commitment to biblical truth.
1. Cherry Vann Elected Archbishop of Wales—A Controversial First
Just days ago, the Church in Wales elected Cherry Vann as its Archbishop, making her the first female and openly lesbian primate in the Anglican Communion’s history. While some celebrate this as progress, it deeply troubles many in the Global South who uphold historic, biblical Christian doctrine on human sexuality.
The Church of Nigeria stands for orthodoxy and the authority of Scripture and remains firmly rooted in the teachings that have guided the Church for centuries.
📌 Source: The Guardian, July 30, 2025 – “Cherry Vann becomes UK’s first female archbishop after election in Wales”
2. Rethinking Anglican Leadership: Canterbury’s Role Under Review
A proposal is under review to restructure global Anglican leadership, potentially shifting from the traditional symbolic authority of the Archbishop of Canterbury to a rotational model. This comes amid increasing discontent from Global South provinces over theological compromises in Western churches.
The Church of Nigeria has consistently advocated for representative, biblically grounded leadership, and such discussions may usher in much-needed reform.
📌 Source: Reuters, July 11, 2025 – “Archbishop of Canterbury could scale back global role to avert Anglican schism”
3. Newman Honored: A Moment to Reflect
The Vatican has announced plans to declare John Henry Newman, a former Anglican priest turned Catholic cardinal, as a Doctor of the Church—a rare and revered honor.
This development invites Anglicans to reflect on the theological depth and contributions of Anglican thinkers, even as we consider the legacy of those who chose different paths.
📌 Source: Associated Press, July 2025 – “Pope to bestow one of Catholic Church’s highest honors on Anglican convert John Henry Newman”
4. End of an Era: Church of England Newspaper Ceases Print
After decades of publication, the Church of England Newspaper, the world’s oldest Christian newspaper, has halted its print edition.
This marks not only a shift in Christian media but may also symbolize a broader identity crisis in segments of the Western Church.
📌 Source: Episcopal News Service, July 31, 2025 – “Church of England Newspaper halts print publication”
5. Hope from Navajoland: Indigenous Anglicans Gather for Renewal
In a more uplifting development, a recent pilgrimage in Navajoland (USA) brought together Indigenous Anglican leaders for cultural renewal, worship, and healing.
This event affirms the diverse richness of the global Anglican family and reminds us of our shared mission to honor every people group within the Body of Christ.
📌 Source: Episcopal News Service, August 1, 2025 – “Navajoland pilgrimage welcomes Indigenous leaders from across Anglican Communion”
🙏 A Final Word: Stand Firm in the Faith
The Church of Nigeria remains resolute in her commitment to Scripture, orthodox Anglican theology, and spiritual renewal amid the shifting tides of the modern world.
These developments across the Communion are not just news—they are a spiritual call to vigilance, courage, and maturity. As we hold to “the faith once delivered to the saints” (Jude 1:3), let us:
- Pray for the Anglican Communion
- Advocate for truth over trends
- Encourage discernment in leadership
Let the future of the Church be built not on culture, but on Christ.
