Archbishop Kaziimba Criticizes Appointment of New Canterbury Leader Over ‘Unbiblical’ Views

The Church of Uganda has expressed deep disappointment over the appointment of the Rt. Rev. Sarah Mullaly, the Bishop of London, as the next Archbishop of Canterbury, citing her support for same-sex marriage and other unbiblical positions that contradict historic Anglican teaching.

In a statement released by the Most Rev. Dr. Stephen Samuel Kaziimba Mugalu, the Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, the church described the appointment as a “grievous decision at the highest levels of the Church of England,” warning that it would further deepen divisions within the global Anglican Communion.

“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,” Archbishop Kaziimba said.

He noted that the tear in the fabric of the Anglican Communion, which began in 2003 following The Episcopal Church (TEC) in the United States’ consecration of a divorced man living in a same-sex relationship as bishop, has now reached the highest level of the Church of England with this latest appointment.

“There appears to be no repentance. Make no mistake, this is a grievous decision at the highest levels of the Church of England to separate itself from the vast majority of the global Anglican Communion,” he added.

Church of Uganda’s Stand with GAFCON and the Global South

The Church of Uganda is a founding member of the Global Anglican Future Conference (GAFCON), a movement that emerged in response to theological liberalism within parts of the Anglican Communion. Through GAFCON and the Global South Fellowship of Anglicans (GSFA), the Ugandan Church has remained steadfast in upholding the Biblical and historic teachings of Anglicanism, particularly concerning marriage as a union between one man and one woman.

Archbishop Kaziimba reaffirmed Uganda’s position, emphasizing that the Church of Uganda and its global partners will continue to stand firm in proclaiming the authority of Scripture and faithfulness to Christ despite developments within the Church of England.

“As we declared in our 2023 GAFCON statement from Kigali, we no longer recognize the Archbishop of Canterbury as having global authority, and the office is certainly no longer an ‘Instrument of Communion.’ With this appointment, the Archbishop of Canterbury is reduced simply to the Primate of All England,” he said.

Extending Fellowship and Encouragement

Archbishop Kaziimba extended prayers and encouragement to Anglicans within the Church of England who are troubled by this development. He also reaffirmed Uganda’s solidarity with like-minded believers around the world who remain committed to the Biblical foundations of the Anglican faith.

“We offer our prayers for those in the Church of England who are disillusioned by this appointment and extend our hand of fellowship to them through GAFCON and the Global South Fellowship of Anglicans,” he stated.

Hope for the Future of the Anglican Faith

Despite the current divisions within the Communion, Archbishop Kaziimba expressed optimism about the future of Gospel-centered mission within the global Anglican movement. He emphasized that the Church of Uganda remains focused on evangelism, discipleship, and faithful witness to Christ.

“The future of Gospel-centred mission in our Anglican tradition is bright. ‘The fields are ripe for harvest; we pray for laborers to go into the harvest,’” he said, referencing Scripture. 

“As we declared at our 2018 GAFCON meeting in Jerusalem, we will proclaim Christ faithfully to the nations.” 

The Church of Uganda’s firm position underscores its continuing commitment to Biblical orthodoxy and to the global movement of Anglicans seeking to preserve the historic faith amid growing theological divergence within parts of the Communion.