Cardinal takes a critical view of appointment of future Anglican primate

Cardinal Criticizes Appointment of Future Anglican Primate

The appointment of Bishop Sarah Mullally, 63, as the new spiritual leader of the Church of England may negatively affect the ongoing Catholic-Anglican dialogue. Cardinal Kurt Koch, head of the Vatican Dicastery for Promoting Christian Unity, expressed this concern during a symposium in Vallendar near Koblenz.

Concerns Over Church Unity

Koch noted that Mullally’s stance on questions of sexual ethics had deepened divisions between the conservative Global Anglican Future Conference (Gafcon) and the Church of England. This tension raises a practical dilemma for the Catholic Church regarding future ecumenical relations.

“Who will we dialogue with in the future if the Anglican world community is so divided?”

Dispute on Sexual Ethics

The conflict traces back to a 2023 decision by the General Synod of the Church of England to create a comprehensive pastoral program for LGBTQI+ people—lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, queer, and others. This inclusive policy provoked strong opposition, especially from Anglican communities in Africa.

In response, the theologically conservative Gafcon network formally separated from the Church of England. The recent appointment of Sarah Mullally by King Charles III as Archbishop of Canterbury and titular leader of the global Anglican Communion has reignited debate about the church’s direction.

Author’s Summary

The Vatican voiced doubts over Sarah Mullally’s appointment, fearing it may deepen rifts within Anglicanism and complicate Catholic-Anglican relations.

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Katholisch.de Katholisch.de — 2025-11-03

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