Cardinal Critiques Appointment of Future Anglican Primate
Sarah Mullally has been appointed as the head of the Anglican Church of England. However, this decision has not been well received across the global Anglican community. The appointment may also influence ongoing dialogue between Anglicans and Catholics.
Impact on Catholic-Anglican Relations
Curia Cardinal Kurt Koch, head of the Vatican Dicastery for Promoting Christian Unity, expressed concerns at a symposium in Vallendar near Koblenz. He highlighted that Mullally's positions on sexual ethics have caused divisions, particularly between the conservative Global Anglican Future Conference (Gafcon) and the Church of England.
“Who will we dialogue with in the future if the Anglican world community is so divided?”
Dispute Over Sexual Minorities
In 2023, the General Synod of the Church of England decided, following recommendations from its bishops, to develop a “comprehensive pastoral service” aimed at welcoming LGBTQI+ individuals, including lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, queer, and others with diverse gender identities.
This move faced strong opposition, especially from African Anglican communities. In response, the theologically conservative Gafcon network separated from the Church of England.
Summary
The appointment of Sarah Mullally has intensified divisions within the Anglican community and poses challenges for future Catholic-Anglican dialogue.