Gafcon Condemns Appointment of Sarah Mullally as First Female Archbishop of Canterbury Amid Divisions Over Same-Sex Blessings

Gafcon Laments Sarah Mullally's Appointment as Archbishop of Canterbury; Mullally Makes History as First Woman to Lead Church of England

Gafcon, a global Anglican movement, has expressed strong disapproval following the appointment of Dame Sarah Mullally as the first female Archbishop of Canterbury. Gafcon argues that Mullally's affirmation of blessings for same-sex relationships contradicts biblical teaching and undermines the unity of the Anglican Communion. Mullally's historic appointment marks a significant moment for the Church of England, while simultaneously stirring controversy within the broader Anglican community.

Gafcon's Criticism of Mullally's Appointment

Gafcon leaders, including the Most Rev. Laurent Mbanda, chairman of the Gafcon Primates Council, stated that Mullally’s support for blessing same-sex marriages indicates a failure to uphold her consecration vows. They voiced concerns that her leadership would deepen existing divisions within the 85-million-member Anglican Communion, rendering the Archbishop of Canterbury unable to serve as a unifying figure. Mbanda added, "due to the failure of successive Archbishops of Canterbury to guard the faith, the office can no longer function as a credible leader of Anglicans, let alone a focus of unity."

Mbanda highlighted Mullally's 2023 comments suggesting that some same-sex relationships could be blessed, as well as her vote in favor of introducing blessings for same-sex marriage in the Church of England. He emphasized that Anglican doctrine, based on scripture, does not permit the church to bless what God has condemned.

"When she was consecrated in 2015, she took an oath to ‘banish and drive away all strange and erroneous doctrine contrary to God’s Word,’ And yet, far from banishing such doctrine, Bishop Mullally has repeatedly promoted unbiblical and revisionist teachings regarding marriage and sexual morality."

Mullally's Historic Appointment and Stated Goals

Sarah Mullally, 63, previously served as Bishop of London since 2018 and has been a vocal advocate for liberal causes within the church, including blessings for same-sex couples. As the 106th Archbishop of Canterbury, she becomes the first woman to hold the position in the Church of England’s 1400-year history.

In her first statement as Archbishop, Mullally expressed her desire to bring people together and foster "hope and healing." She also acknowledged the "huge responsibility" of her new role and vowed to "confront the dynamics of power" that had led the church to cover up abuse. Mullally succeeds Justin Welby, who resigned earlier this year following revelations of the church's handling of a child abuse cover-up scandal.

Before entering the clergy, Mullally worked as a cancer nurse and served as England's chief nursing officer. She has also been an outspoken opponent of legislation to allow assisted dying, describing it as "unworkable and unsafe."

Divisions Within the Anglican Communion and Future Implications

Gafcon has summoned global orthodox Anglican bishops to Abuja, Nigeria, from March 3-6, 2026, for the G26 Bishops Assembly to address these issues. This gathering is anticipated to be a significant event for "faithful Anglicans" and may further highlight the divisions between more conservative and progressive factions within the Anglican Communion.

The appointment of a female Archbishop could widen the gap between the Church of England and more conservative Anglican churches, particularly in countries like Nigeria, Kenya, and Uganda. Despite these concerns, Mbanda pledged to pray for the new Archbishop of Canterbury, hoping she will "repent, and earnestly work with the Gafcon leadership to mend the torn fabric of our Anglican Communion."