LONDON – The Global Anglican Future Conference (GAFCON), a coalition of conservative Anglican churches across Africa and Asia, has opposed the Church of England’s appointment of its first female Archbishop of Canterbury, Sarah Mullally.
In a statement on Friday, the group said the decision signaled that the Church of England had “relinquished its authority to lead” within the global Anglican Communion.
“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,” the alliance declared.
Mullally, who previously served as Bishop of London, was named Britain’s new Archbishop of Canterbury earlier on Friday.