Cardinal Criticizes Appointment of Future Anglican Primate
Sarah Mullally is the designated head of the Anglican Church of England, but her appointment has sparked controversy within the global Anglican community. This situation may also affect ongoing dialogue between the Anglican and Catholic churches.
Impact on Catholic-Anglican Dialogue
Curia Cardinal Kurt Koch, leader of the Vatican Dicastery for Promoting Christian Unity, expressed concerns on Sunday at a symposium in Vallendar near Koblenz. He pointed out that Mullally’s views on sexual ethics have contributed to a division 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 Treatment of Sexual Minorities
In 2023, the General Synod of the Church of England, following the bishops' advice, agreed to develop a comprehensive pastoral service to welcome LGBTQI+ individuals, including lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, queer, and others with diverse gender identities.
This decision faced strong opposition, especially from African Anglican communities. Consequently, the theologically conservative Anglican network Gafcon separated from the Church of England in protest.
Summary
The appointment of Sarah Mullally highlights growing tensions within the Anglican Communion, risking setbacks in ecumenical relations with the Catholic Church due to disagreements over sexual ethics.