Faith
Evangelicals Urge Return to Biblical Doctrine
Faith Facts
- Bishop Sarah Mullally has been selected as the next Archbishop of Canterbury, making her the first woman to hold this role.
- Her leadership in the Living in Love and Faith initiative resulted in the Church of England approving same-sex blessings.
- Evangelical groups are praying she will guide the Church back to its historic, biblical foundations on marriage and doctrine.
Bishop Sarah Mullally, the current Bishop of London, will make history in March 2026 as the first female Archbishop of Canterbury. Many faithful believers now pray earnestly for a renewal of traditional Christian teaching.
She supported introducing prayers for same-sex blessings, assuring that these services are voluntary and do not redefine marriage in church doctrine. Traditionalists, however, remain concerned about possible doctrinal drift away from biblical convictions.
“Services that use these prayers are not marriage services, and their use by clergy is entirely voluntary,” she previously clarified.
The Church of England Evangelical Council has expressed hope that Mullally will defend apostolic faith. They urge her to restore the Church’s commitment to its foundational doctrines amid ongoing spiritual and societal challenges.
“The Church of England Evangelical Council (CEEC) joins Anglicans across the world in praying for Bishop Sarah Mullally on the announcement that she is to be the next Archbishop of Canterbury,” the statement notes.
The CEEC highlighted pressing issues facing the nation and the Church, from declining attendance to global conflict, and called for strong spiritual leadership. Disagreements following Living in Love and Faith have led to significant internal divisions.
“We therefore pray that God will enable Bishop Sarah to hold to the apostolic faith and call the Church of England to recommit to the historic doctrines and formularies entrusted to it,” the council proclaimed.
The international Gafcon movement reacted more critically, arguing that Mullally’s support for same-sex blessings violates scriptural authority and unity among Anglicans. Chairman Archbishop Laurent Mbanda called for repentance and claimed the decision further splinters the Communion.
Mbanda asserted that true leadership can only come from those who uphold the authority of Scripture, echoing the biblical charge to “guard the good deposit” in all areas of life.
As this chapter unfolds, Christians are called to intercede for the Church’s leaders—that truth, unity, and the enduring message of the Gospel will be upheld in the face of modern challenges. May integrity, courage, and biblical fidelity prevail under Mullally’s leadership.