Dame Sarah Mullally, recently designated as the first female Archbishop of Canterbury, emphasized a collaborative approach in her inaugural address, stating, If you want to go fast, go alone - if you want to go far, go together. However, her appointment has ignited tensions within the Anglican Communion, particularly among conservative factions.
The Global Fellowship of Confessing Anglicans (Gafcon), encompassing a network of conservative churches in Africa and Asia, reacted with disappointment to Mullally's selection. They cited concerns regarding her support for women's leadership and same-sex blessings, which they deem 'unbiblical.'
This division comes at a time when the Church of England is viewed as having adopted more progressive views compared to its counterparts, especially in Africa where a majority of Anglicans reside. Issues at the heart of this schism include the ordination of women and the acceptance of LGBTQ+ relationships within church doctrine.
While conservative groups remain steadfast in their traditional views, many in more liberal congregations hailed Mullally's appointment as a 'historic' advancement for inclusivity and equality. The Archbishop of Cape Town, Thabo Makgoba, praised the news, describing it as a 'thrilling development.'
Despite the mixed reactions, some voices within the industry advocate for open dialogue and reconciliation. Bishop Emily Onyango from the Anglican Church of Kenya highlighted the necessity for leadership that listens, especially amidst ongoing suffering faced by women and children in the community.
The potential for a rift leading to an irreparable division within the Anglican Communion continues to be a pressing concern as leaders on both sides discuss their paths forward. Gafcon's leaders have called for repentance among church leaders diverging from what they call the 'true teachings of the Bible'. Amidst these challenges, the future leadership of the Anglican Communion under Mullally remains pivotal in addressing divisions while fostering unity.
