African Bishops: Female Abp. of Canterbury Is 'Apostasy'

Sarah Mullally. Source: CBCEW

LONDON — Sarah Mullally’s historic appointment as the first female Archbishop of Canterbury has deepened divisions within the Anglican Communion.

In her first address as Archbishop-Designate, Mullally said: “If you want to go fast, go alone—if you want to go far, go together,” signaling a desire for unity. However, her support for women bishops and same-sex couple blessings has drawn sharp criticism from conservative factions.

The Global Fellowship of Confessing Anglicans (GAFCON), representing conservative churches in Africa and Asia, expressed “sorrow” over the appointment. Abp. Laurent Mbanda of Rwanda, Gafcon’s chairman, argued that a male-only episcopacy aligns with biblical teachings and accused Mullally of promoting “unbiblical” views on marriage.

GAFCON, formed in 2008 over theological disputes, rejected the leadership of former Abp. Justin Welby in 2023 for similar reasons, fueling fears of a schism.

Conversely, the Church of Southern Africa hailed the appointment as “historic.” Abp. Thabo Makgoba and Kenya’s first female bishop, Emily Onyango, praised Mullally’s humility and listening approach, urging her to foster peace and reconciliation.

Despite their optimism, the divide persists, with Mbanda saying: "GAFCON has always called for erring church leaders to repent and return to the Bible's teaching. But until they do so, we cannot walk with them in their apostasy."

The UOJ previously reported on Mullally's election as the first female Archbishop of Canterbury. 

UOJ General Editor Michael W. Davis has also written on the (failed) attempts to unite the Church of England with the Orthodox Church.

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