A Nigerian diocese is pushing back hard after the Church of Nigeria's primate suspended one of its archbishops for six months. The suspension, which has rattled leadership circles within the church, stems from several allegations against the archbishop, the most significant being the alleged sale of church land for 2 billion naira.
The situation has escalated quickly. Rather than accept the disciplinary action quietly, the diocese attached to the suspended archbishop is now threatening to break away from the Church of Nigeria entirely. It is a bold move that signals just how deep the tensions run within one of the continent's largest Anglican bodies.
Church land disputes are rarely simple, and when billions of naira are involved, they tend to pull entire communities into the conflict. Whether the diocese follows through on its threat or finds a path back to the table, this standoff is one to watch closely.
Originally published by AllAfrica.