Statement from Bishop Andy Lines on the appointment of the new Archbishop of Canterbury

PRESS RELEASE

3rd October 2025

The Anglican Network in Europe (ANiE) notes the appointment of Dame Sarah Mullally as the new Archbishop of Canterbury. ANiE exists as an Anglican jurisdiction separate from the Canterbury structures, and we look to the global leadership of Gafcon for spiritual vision and oversight.

Gafcon has made a clear statement about the appointment which can be found on their website. The statement explains why the large majority of the Anglican Communion will not be able to work with Dame Sarah in her new role because of her support for “unbiblical and revisionist teachings regarding marriage and sexual morality”, and more broadly, the office of the Archbishop of Canterbury’s track record of departure from key aspects of historic Christian doctrine and ethics.

The appointment demonstrates the imposition of the worldview of elites from the Western world rather than a desire to engage with and unite faithful Anglicans from different cultures for the sake of gospel mission.

Anglican churches, Dioceses and Provinces around the world which are growing and thriving are those which adhere to traditional Christian teaching. There are many such congregations which remain in the Church of England. Our prayers and support are with them as they decide what to do in the face of this appointment.

As a response to the increasing alignment of church leaders and structures in the West with secularised theologies and policies, Gafcon has set up new Anglican jurisdictions outside Canterbury structures. One of these is ANiE, whose congregations provide an alternative, safe home for bible-based Anglicans, and an opportunity to start new churches where people are.

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