A historic schism has erupted within the Anglican Communion following the appointment of Sarah Mullally as the next Archbishop of Canterbury—the first woman ever to assume the role.
Her outspoken support for abortion rights and progressive social causes has triggered global backlash, leading millions of conservative Anglicans to formally break away from the Church of England.
The Gateway Pundit reports that Mullally’s elevation, confirmed by King Charles III and set to be formalized with her installation at Canterbury Cathedral in March 2026, was “the final straw” for many traditionalist factions who accuse church leadership of abandoning biblical teachings.
“I want, very simply, to encourage the Church to continue to grow in confidence in the Gospel,” Mullally said in a statement announcing her appointment. “I know this is a huge responsibility, but I approach it with a sense of peace and trust in God.”
However, her record has ignited uproar among conservatives. A self-described feminist and advocate for abortion rights, Mullally has publicly supported LGBT initiatives, including “LGBT+ History Month,” while critics accuse her of remaining silent when pressed about how the Church would confront “child sexualization and queer theory.”
The Global Fellowship of Confessing Anglicans (Gafcon)—representing more than 40 million Anglicans primarily in Africa, Asia, and Latin America—has declared it will no longer recognize the authority of the Church of England or the Archbishop of Canterbury. “We cannot remain in communion with those who forsake the inerrant word of God,” Gafcon said in a statement.
The split underscores a deepening divide between the liberal hierarchy in London and the conservative majority that now makes up the global Anglican body. Once a pillar of British Christianity, the Church of England has seen steep declines in attendance and moral influence as it embraces progressive reforms.
Critics say Mullally’s appointment cements a long-running ideological shift that distances the modern Church from scripture and tradition. “The Church of England has lost all moral credibility,” one prominent priest said online. “It is over.”
With her appointment, progressives hailed a new chapter for the Church, while conservatives viewed it as the moment Anglican unity finally fractured beyond repair.
