Summary
Dame Sarah Mullally has been chosen as the first female Archbishop of Canterbury. This decision has caused different reactions within the global Anglican community. While some welcome the change, a conservative group, Gafcon, criticized the choice due to differing views on leadership and same-sex relationships.
Key Facts
- Dame Sarah Mullally is the first woman to be appointed as the Archbishop of Canterbury.
- The role makes her the spiritual leader of both the Church of England and the worldwide Anglican Communion.
- Gafcon, a conservative network of Anglican churches in Africa and Asia, criticized the appointment.
- Gafcon believes the Bible only supports men as bishops and opposes Mullally's views on same-sex relationships.
- The Church of Southern Africa and others view the appointment as a positive and historic step.
- Divisions in the Anglican Church have previously involved issues like the ordination of women and acceptance of same-sex relationships.
- Gafcon emphasizes its belief in traditional teachings and denies that recognition by the Archbishop of Canterbury defines Anglican identity.
- Bishop Emily Onyango from Kenya supports the new archbishop, differing from some conservative views and highlighting the need for peace and reconciliation.
