The exit of Bishop Nazir-Ali from orthodox Anglicanism is saddening and somewhat disappointing considering the pivotal and costly role he has played in maintaining orthodox Anglicanism over the years.
It is disappointing in that a Bishop of his stature has left a bad example for struggling souls by going to Roman Catholicism because the Roman Catholic Church has serious theological flaws especially in the areas of Soteriology and Mariology.
Furthermore, this action makes one wonder if the good Bishop was truly committed to the primacy of Scripture in the first place. As Blaise Pascal put it, “The heart has its reasons which reason knows nothing of.” It is perhaps time for those who say they believe in the Bible to honestly ask themselves if they actually and truly believe in the Bible when it comes to practice.
It is saddening in that conservative Anglicanism is so compromised theologically that good men like Bishop Nazir-Ali feel compelled to leave Anglicanism altogether.
Hopefully, Anglicans who consider themselves biblically-centered need to recommit themselves to the primacy and authority of Scripture in all matters of faith and practice especially in the areas of soteriology, sacramental theology, marriage, human sexuality, ordination of female priests, and consecration of women Bishops.
Sadly there has been wobbliness and inconsistent commitment to biblical teaching on those issues even in conservative Anglican circles that’s led to the exit of good men like Bishop Michael Nasir-Ali to the Roman Church and other denominations. The integrity and future of orthodox Anglicanism are at stake and being legitimately questioned in light of the wobbly and inconsistent commitment to Scripture especially in practice amongst orthodox Anglicans. It is time to repent and return to the Bible, that is, biblical orthodoxy and orthopraxy.
+Bishop Felix Orji