By Nana Davis Mac-Iyalla, Knight, Lay Minister, and Advocate for Inclusion
The Church of England’s election of a woman to the post of Archbishop of Canterbury is more than a milestone—it is a Spirit-led affirmation of dignity, courage, and inclusion. It signals a Church willing to listen, evolve, and honor the gifts of all its members. As a Nigeria-born Anglo-Catholic, I receive this moment with gratitude and hope.
Yet once again, the response from the Nigerian Anglican Church has been disappointing. Rather than engaging with the Spirit’s movement, we are met with political statements lacking theological depth and Christ-like humility. These reactions do not reflect the urgency of Nigeria’s realities, nor do they offer healing to a fractured communion.
Let us speak plainly: the Anglican Communion has long been broken. The African bishops who chose to walk away rather than engage in Spirit-led reconciliation must now stop issuing empty declarations. Silence would be more dignified than statements that wound rather than heal.
Every time the Mother Church listens to the Holy Spirit and moves toward justice, some respond with fear, not faith. But fear cannot lead. Posturing cannot heal. And proximity to tradition without discernment is not holiness—it is stagnation.
As a Knight, Lay Minister, and advocate for inclusion, I call on my fellow Africans in the Communion to reflect deeply. Let us return to the heart of Christ. Let us lead with courage, not condemnation. Let us stop performing division and start embodying grace.
This is not a time for noise.
This is a time to listen.
Interfaith Diversity Network of West Africa 