A new Archbishop of Canterbury is installed – but representing which faith?
To coverage that, ahead of the event, was distinctly low key, Dame Sarah Mullally has today been consecrated as the 106th Archbishop of Canterbury – the first woman to be appointed leader of the Anglican Communion. But exactly what faith is it that Dame Sarah represents? Because, at first glance, it would seem no longer to be Christianity.
For example, the Bible clearly prohibits all sex outside marriage, which includes homosexual relationships, whether between man and man or woman and woman, masturbation, all forms of perversion, and incest. On top of that, the Bible has no concept of gender choice. But had the possibility of sex change existed in ancient Israel, it is certain it would have disapproved in the strongest possible terms, because the Bible teaches that all are fearfully and wonderfully made by, and in the image of, God (Genesis 1:27; Psalm 139:14), who knows us from before our conception (Jeremiah 1:5), and who does not ‘make mistakes’ (Deuteronomy 32:4).
Sarah Mullally, however, seemingly takes issue with all these doctrines. As Bishop of London, she led the infamous Living in Love and Faith group, which oversaw the production of resources to help congregations support people of what were termed ‘different perspectives and life-experiences’, and that went on to introduce prayers for same-sex couples, paving the way for their ‘marriage’ in church. So controversial has the 500 page report proved, that it has for the moment been withdrawn, while the bishops seemingly consider their next options. But, in explaining the seeming volte face, they have nevertheless expressed support for ‘broad sexual inclusivity’, and remain committed in their support for LGBTQI+ affirmation and inclusion. So it would appear to be a case, not so much of reconsideration, but rather regrouping in order to drive through the attack.
In tandem with this, there has been no hint of censure from the Archbishop’s office at various multi-faith initiatives, which all too clearly contravene the first Commandment, as given to Moses, ‘You shall have no other gods besides me’ (Exodus 20: 3). These have included prayers led by Imams within Christian places of worship, and even the recent hosting of an Iftar meal for Muslims inside Bristol Cathedral, with the Islamic call to prayer made from the Cathedral steps. There have also been a stream of complaints that Church of England schools include teaching for Primary age school children on how to pray to Allah, alongside generalised approval for the inclusion in church services of messages of encouragement from leaders of other faiths. All of which would seem to be approved by our new Archbishop, who sent a message of warmest greetings and support to our Muslim friends at the beginning of Ramadan. No doubt because ‘we all worship the same god’ … which perhaps, in the case of the Church of England, is true. But it is not true of Christianity.
The sad truth is that the Church of England has become an apostate church, more committed to what it sees as ‘cultural relevance’ than God. Recent reports in the press hailed a statement by Prince William saying that he was keen to build a ‘strong and meaningful bond’ with the church, and he admitted to a quiet, personal and sincere faith of his own. Along with his wife, he took tea with the new Archbishop ahead of her installation, and reportedly said he wanted ‘to uphold tradition, while speaking to a modern Britain’. From which we can only conclude that the future Supreme Governor of the Church of England similarly lacks a basic understanding of Christian belief, and exactly what traditions he is seeking to uphold.
Despite the current parlous state of the Anglican Church, however, it is a fact that officially Britain remains a Christian country, with our laws, society and culture all alike founded on the Bible. That Prince William says he is committed to maintaining the Christian character and historic faith of the UK is to be commended – but this will not be achieved by upholding the LGBTQ+, multi-faith and inclusive values of our new Archbishop, which can only deepen division, both within these shores and within the worldwide Anglican Communion, and drive all of us further into chaos.
To survive these turbulent and unsettling times, it is imperative we rediscover the real values and faith on which our nation has been built. But that can only happen if and when the Church rediscovers its call, and becomes once again the guardian of truth – the bright beacon and moral compass by which the ship of State is guided through the storms and rocks that threaten on all sides.