The recent selection of the new Archbishop of Canterbury has sparked contrasting views within the global Anglican Communion. While some, like the Church of Southern Africa, have hailed the appointment of Dame Sarah Mullally as a “historic” and “thrilling development,” a significant conservative group, the Global Fellowship of Confessing Anglicans (Gafcon), has expressed its profound disappointment, receiving the news “with sorrow.”
Dame Sarah Mullally, set to become the first woman to hold this esteemed position, has been recognized for her humble and listening approach by figures like Bishop Emily Onyango of the Anglican Church of Kenya. Bishop Onyango, herself the first woman bishop ordained in her country, stated that Gafcon’s perspective is “patriarchal” and not beneficial to the Church’s progress. She emphasized the need for the new Archbishop to focus on peace and reconciliation, particularly for women and children suffering in various regions.
The division within the Anglican Communion stems from ongoing theological differences, notably regarding the ordination of women bishops and the acceptance of same-sex relationships. Gafcon, representing conservative Anglican churches primarily in Africa and Asia, maintains that biblical interpretations require a male-only episcopacy. They have also criticized Dame Sarah’s support for blessing same-sex couples, deeming it contrary to their understanding of marriage and sexual morality.
Founded in 2008, Gafcon emerged in response to these theological divergences. While not seeking to break away from the Communion, the group has challenged the traditional authority of the Archbishop of Canterbury in defining Anglican identity. This tension intensified in 2023 when Gafcon rejected the leadership of the previous Archbishop, Justin Welby, over proposed blessings for same-sex unions, raising concerns about a potential schism.
Gafcon claims to represent the majority of Anglicans worldwide, a claim that is debated. However, the sentiment across Africa is far from uniform. The Archbishop of Cape Town, Thabo Makgoba, warmly welcomed Dame Sarah’s appointment, seeing it as a positive step forward.
Bishop Onyango, in her commentary, suggested that a rigid stance and a lack of listening can lead to significant problems within the church. She believes the new Archbishop’s focus should be on addressing continental issues and fostering peace, particularly for those affected by conflict. This viewpoint places Bishop Onyango at odds with the leadership of her own country, which aligns with Gafcon’s stance.
When questioned about the potential for an irreparable rift in the Anglican Communion, the Archbishop of Rwanda, a leader within Gafcon, stated that while nothing is irreparable with God, repentance is necessary. He indicated that Gafcon cannot “walk with them in their apostasy” until erring church leaders return to biblical teachings.
You may also be interested in:
Archbishop of Canterbury resigns over Church abuse scandal
First female Bishop of London installed
The abuse scandal that led to the archbishop’s resignation
New Archbishop of Canterbury ‘one of Devon’s own’
More from the BBC
Kent welcomes its first woman Archbishop
The Bishop of Dover says appointing the first-ever woman to the role is “history in the making”.
Sarah Mullally named as new Archbishop of Canterbury
Behind the Gen Z protesters who want to force Madagascar’s president from power
President Rajoelina’s move fails to quell the protest movement that is now threatening his own position.
Robert Mugabe’s son appears in court on drug charge
Police allege they found marijuana on him during a traffic stop and are investigating a "syndicate linked to him".
Fathers entitled to equal parental leave, South Africa’s top court rules
The ruling grants both parents the right to share a total of four months and 10 days of parental leave.