Grace and peace to you all in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

I have listened attentively to the statements made by several church fathers and to the numerous comments circulating online concerning the appointment of Bishop Sarah Mullally as Archbishop of Canterbury Designate. I write this letter not out of rebellion or self-interest, but from a place of deep conscience and pastoral responsibility — for the sake of the people of God, and for the witness of our common faith before the watching world.

I am a proud Nigerian by heritage and a priest of the Church of England by calling. I am deeply grateful for both. I am aware that this letter comes at personal cost, but there comes a time when silence can wound more deeply than speech. “We must speak the truth in love” (Ephesians 4:15), even when the cost is great.

Across the Church of England today, there are over a hundred faithful Nigerian clergy serving Christ faithfully — as parish priests, hospital chaplains, university chaplains, and holders of Permission to Officiate in various dioceses. Many of us carry the fire of our homeland’s vibrant faith while faithfully serving within this land. We did not abandon righteousness to dwell among evil. It grieves the heart to hear some voices describing the United Kingdom as an “evil” nation, while many of us — and indeed, many of our own Nigerian bishops — send their children to study, live, and flourish here, or themselves visit frequently on holidays. How can one preach Christ in a land one despises? “The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it” (Psalm 24:1). God is at work in every land, including this one.

Our task, dear brothers and sisters, is clear: to proclaim Christ faithfully in our various contexts. The Anglican way has never been about uniformity, but unity in diversity. Canterbury is not Rome; we are a Communion of autonomous provinces, bound not by coercion but by communion — a fellowship of grace and shared heritage.

One of the surest signs of the Holy Spirit’s presence among us is found in our language — not in ecstatic speech, but in how we “speak the truth in love.” (Ephesians 4:15). When our words are filled with contempt, division, or pride, we grieve the Spirit. Some may not have the gifts of exorcism or tongues, but those who speak graciously, respectfully, and truthfully reveal that the Spirit of Christ dwells in them.

When the Western and Eastern Churches parted ways centuries ago, the East declared the West apostate. Yet, from within that so-called apostasy, the West carried the Gospel to much of the world. The lesson is simple: God can still work through brokenness when His people stay focused on His mission.

I sometimes liken our situation to a troubled marriage. Around the world, couples who separate can often do so peacefully. Yet in Nigeria, divorce often becomes a battle — full of quarrels, abuse, and mutual destruction, leaving the children scarred. This, sadly, reflects how some Christians approach disagreement. But in Christ, we are called to a higher way — the way of love, forgiveness, and respect, even when we differ.

It is no secret that GAFCON and the Church of England hold different convictions. Yet, name-calling and demonization do not advance the Gospel; they wound the Body of Christ. St James warns, “The tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things… with it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God.” (James 3:5, 9). Let us, therefore, discipline our tongues and sanctify our speech.

In truth, the Church of England rarely comments publicly on GAFCON; they maintain their lane with grace and respect. It would be a powerful witness if GAFCON did the same — focusing not on condemnation, but on Christ’s Great Commission. Let us compete, not in insults, but in faithfulness to Jesus.

Brothers and sisters, this is not the time to tear down but to build up; not the time to curse but to bless; not the time to divide, but to remind the world that Jesus is Lord, and in Him all things hold together (Colossians 1:17). May we all be found faithful in our calling, speaking truth in love, and striving for the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

Yours in Christ,
The Revd Preb Dr Amatu Christian-Iwuagwu
Vicar, St Mark and St Stephen Bush Hill Park
Church Commissioner and Member General Synod of the Church of England
God bless,