Crisis looms in Anglican Church as conservatives reject appointment of female Archbishop of Canterbury

The Anglican Communion is facing renewed tensions after a coalition of conservative churches across Africa and Asia declared that the Church of England’s appointment of its first female Archbishop of Canterbury signaled a loss of authority.

GAFCON, the alliance of traditionalist Anglicans, issued a sharp rebuke on Friday, saying: “Today’s appointment makes it clearer than ever before that Canterbury has relinquished its authority to lead. The reset of our beloved Communion is now uniquely in the hands of GAFCON, and we are ready to take the lead.”

Their statement followed the historic announcement that Bishop Sarah Mullally has been chosen as the 106th Archbishop of Canterbury. It marks the first time in the Church of England’s more than 1,400-year history that the position will be held by a woman.

Mullally, 63, currently serving as Bishop of London, will assume leadership of the world’s 85 million Anglicans. She succeeds Justin Welby, who stepped down last November after a report criticized his handling of sexual abuse allegations tied to Christian summer camps.

Before her rise in church leadership, Mullally built a career in healthcare, beginning as a cancer nurse before becoming England’s chief nursing officer. Widely regarded as a reformist, she has been a vocal supporter of women’s rights within the church.