A STATEMENT FROM THE CONFESSING ANGLICAN CHURCH ON THE APPOINTMENT OF DAME SARAH MULLALLY TO THE SEE OF CANTERBURY
With sober hearts and in fidelity to the faith once delivered to the saints (Jude 1:3), we address the appointment of Dame Sarah Mullaly as the next occupant of the See of Canterbury.
From our historic and apostolic understanding of Holy Scripture and the undivided witness of the Church, we cannot acknowledge as valid either the ordination of women to the priesthood or their consecration to the episcopate. The ordering of the Church is not subject to cultural fashion or political expediency but rests upon divine revelation and the pattern handed down by the Apostles. The attempt, therefore, to enthrone Dame Mullally as “Archbishop of Canterbury” represents not a step forward but a further tragic rupture with the catholic and apostolic order of Christ’s Church.
This development deepens the spiritual crisis already afflicting the Anglican Communion. It not only undermines the clear teaching of Scripture concerning holy orders (1 Timothy 2:12, Titus 1:6), but also places yet another obstacle in the way of authentic unity with the wider Church of Jesus Christ. In truth, it confuses the faithful, weakens the witness of Anglicanism, and exposes the depth of the theological decline within the Church of England.
We issue, therefore, a call to all orthodox, Bible-believing, confessing Anglicans across the globe: STAND FAST. Let us gather, as one people under the Lordship of Christ, and renew our commitment to the faith and order of the undivided Church. Let us not be swayed by the shifting winds of culture or intimidated by the voices of compromise, but rather contend earnestly for the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the integrity of His Church.
Now is the time for conservative Anglicans worldwide to unite in prayer, fellowship, and action. Our Communion is not defined by the political offices of Canterbury, but by the truth of God’s Word and the faithfulness of those who uphold it. Where Canterbury departs from Christ, we must walk more closely with Him. Where confusion reigns, we must speak the truth in love. Where the faithful are scattered, we must gather them to Christ, the Chief Shepherd and Bishop of our souls (1 Peter 2:25).
We grieve this latest breach in Anglican order. Yet we are not without hope. Our God reigns. His Church will endure. And in this season of trial, may the Lord strengthen us to bear bold witness to His unchanging truth.
Accordingly, we extend a fraternal invitation to all faithful bishops, clergy, and laity who recognize this crisis to align themselves with the Confessing Anglican Church, that together we may safeguard the apostolic faith, restore authentic Anglican witness, and provide a true spiritual home for the people of God in this generation and the next. We will do all in our power to strengthen the ties that bind faithful orthodox Anglicans together in the faith once delivered to the saints. We welcome the calls of faithful Anglican groups to unite across the globe, such as Gafcon’s solemn summons of global orthodox Anglican and other similar calls – those both already voiced and those still to come.
Therefore, let us not falter in the face of compromise, nor retreat into silence amid confusion. Now is the hour for Anglicans who hold fast to the historic faith to stand shoulder to shoulder, proclaiming with clarity and conviction the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the order He has entrusted to His Church. In this present darkness, let us shine the light of truth—unwavering, charitable, and bold—so that the world may know that Christ is Lord, His Word is trustworthy, and His Church remains a beacon of holiness and hope. Let us rise together, not in bitterness but in faith, and bear witness to the unbroken apostolic tradition with joy, courage, and love.
