New Archbishop’s Enthronement Sparks Division Within Anglican Communion

The enthronement of Rose Hudson-Wilkin Mullally has drawn both celebration and controversy across the global Anglican Communion, highlighting ongoing divisions over women’s leadership in the church.

Addressing the congregation, Mullally reflected on her journey, saying she “could never have imagined the future that lay ahead,” nor the ministry she has now been called to undertake.

Despite the historic nature of her appointment, opposition remains strong among traditionalists in Britain and beyond, many of whom maintain that priesthood and episcopal roles should be reserved for men.

The divide was underscored earlier this month in Abuja, where conservative clergy selected an alternative leader aligned with their views, backing Laurent Mbanda. In a statement issued in January, Mbanda said the “majority” of the Anglican Communion still interprets the Bible as requiring male-only episcopacy.

In the days leading up to her enthronement, Mullally undertook an 87-mile, six-day pilgrimage from St. Paul’s Cathedral to Canterbury Cathedral—a symbolic journey not made by a modern archbishop before, echoing the historic route immortalised in The Canterbury Tales.

The Very Rev. David Monteith described the moment as significant, praising Mullally’s “deep and profound faith.” He noted that her decision to leave a career in nursing to pursue ministry reflected courage and a strong spiritual calling.

“That’s a big, risky thing to do,” Monteith said, adding that her path demonstrated integrity, conviction, and a deep sense of purpose.

While her enthronement marks a milestone for inclusion within parts of the church, it also underscores enduring theological and cultural tensions shaping the future of the Anglican Communion.