Anglican Rift Widens: Gafcon Rejects Dame Sarah Mullally’s Appointment as Archbishop of Canterbury

In a development shaking the foundations of the global Anglican Communion, the Global Anglican Future Conference (Gafcon) has voiced deep “sorrow” and “alarm” over the announcement that Dame Sarah Mullally will become the next Archbishop of Canterbury. The conservative Anglican coalition accused the Church of England of “abandoning global Anglicans” and warned that her appointment will “further divide an already split Communion.” Gafcon’s chairman, Archbishop Laurent Mbanda, reiterated that the Archbishop of Canterbury can “no longer function as a credible leader,” citing the group’s 2023 Kigali Commitment which declared they would no longer recognize Canterbury as an “Instrument of Communion.”

Gafcon’s statement strongly criticized Dame Sarah’s support for same-sex relationship blessings and her status as the first female Archbishop of Canterbury—issues the group said violate both Scripture and the Church’s “historic and consensual” interpretation of doctrine. “Since the newly appointed Archbishop of Canterbury has failed to guard the faith,” the statement read, “she cannot provide leadership to the Anglican Communion.” The group announced plans for a global bishops’ assembly in Abuja, Nigeria, in March 2026, describing the meeting as part of a “reset” of the Anglican Communion to uphold traditional orthodoxy and biblical fidelity.

Despite its rebuke, Gafcon extended prayers for Dame Sarah as she assumes her new role, urging her to “repent” and “work with Gafcon leadership to mend the torn fabric of our Anglican Communion.” Meanwhile, the Church of England Evangelical Council also acknowledged the immense challenges ahead, calling for prayerful support and a return to “apostolic faith” amid declining attendance, financial strain, and deep divisions over sexuality. Bishop Sarah, currently serving as Bishop of London, will formally become Archbishop of Canterbury in January, followed by an enthronement service at Canterbury Cathedral, where members of the royal family are expected to attend.