Archbishop of Uganda Criticizes Appointment of LGBTQ+ Ally as Archbishop of Canterbury
Rev. Steven Kaziimba Mugalu, Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, expressed strong disapproval of Dame Sarah Mullally’s nomination as the next Archbishop of Canterbury. He condemned her support for same-sex marriages, calling it unbiblical and contrary to traditional Anglican beliefs.
Statement from the Archbishop
“I am writing to share the sad news that the Rt. Sarah Mullally, the Bishop of London, has been appointed as the next Archbishop of Canterbury. Our sadness about this appointment is her support and advocacy for unbiblical positions on sexuality and same-sex marriage that reveal her departure from the historic Anglican positions that uphold the authority of Scripture for faith and life…. Church of Uganda considers this appointment to further deepen the tear in the fabric of the Anglican Communion that began in 2003 with the [Episcopalian Church] consecration as Bishop of a divorced father of two living in a same-sex relationship.”
Context of the Controversy
The Archbishop referenced the 2003 consecration of Gene Robinson, a gay priest, as bishop by the Episcopal Church in the United States. This event marked a significant rift within the Anglican Communion over issues of sexuality.
Impact on the Anglican Communion
- Kaziimba called the appointment a "tear in the fabric" of the Anglican Communion.
- He characterized it as a grave decision that further divides the global Anglican community.
The Church of Uganda maintains that Mullally’s stance moves away from scriptural authority and historic Anglican doctrine related to sexuality and marriage.
Author’s summary: The Archbishop of Uganda opposes the appointment of Dame Sarah Mullally as Archbishop of Canterbury due to her support for same-sex marriage, seeing this decision as deepening divisions within the Anglican Communion.