What's happened
On January 28, 2026, Sarah Mullally was confirmed as the 106th Archbishop of Canterbury, becoming the Church of England's first female leader. Her appointment highlights divisions within the Anglican Communion over gender and LGBTQ+ issues. Meanwhile, St. Andrew's Anglican Church in Moscow faces internal disputes and service suspensions amid legal and administrative conflicts. In Nigeria, Christian communities pray for abducted worshippers amid ongoing security threats.
What's behind the headline?
Anglican Leadership Milestone and Communion Divisions
Sarah Mullally's confirmation as Archbishop of Canterbury marks a historic breakthrough for gender equality in the Church of England, reflecting decades of gradual change since the first female priests in 1994. However, her appointment exposes deep fractures within the global Anglican Communion, where conservative factions, such as Gafcon, reject female bishops and same-sex marriage blessings. Mullally's dual background as a nurse and cleric equips her with a unique pastoral approach to healing these divisions, but she will face entrenched opposition, especially from African provinces.
Moscow's St. Andrew's Church Conflict
The internal dispute at St. Andrew's Anglican Church in Moscow illustrates the complex intersection of religious governance, legal authority, and geopolitical sensitivities. The conflict between church members and administration, including visa issues for the chaplain, has led to service suspensions and physical lockouts, highlighting challenges foreign religious communities face in Russia. The Diocese in Europe and local church factions accuse each other of harassment and illegal control, while the Russian Orthodox Church offers support, underscoring the delicate religious landscape.
Nigerian Church Security Crisis
The abduction of worshippers in Kaduna State underscores the persistent insecurity facing Christian communities in northern Nigeria. The frequency of attacks, kidnappings, and killings of clergy since the 1980s has destabilized the region, with recent incidents prompting calls for increased vigilance and government action. The crisis reflects broader challenges of religious violence and governance in Nigeria, impacting congregations' ability to worship safely.
Outlook
Mullally's leadership will likely focus on bridging Anglican Communion divides and addressing safeguarding concerns within the Church of England. The Moscow church conflict may persist without clear resolution, given legal and political complexities. In Nigeria, security improvements depend on government and community cooperation to protect vulnerable religious groups. These stories collectively highlight ongoing struggles within global Christianity over leadership, governance, and safety.
What the papers say
Reuters and AP News provide detailed coverage of Sarah Mullally's historic confirmation as the 106th Archbishop of Canterbury, emphasizing her background as a former chief nursing officer and the significance of her appointment amid Anglican Communion divisions. Reuters highlights the ceremonial aspects and global Anglican diversity, while AP News focuses on the controversies surrounding her appointment, including conservative backlash and safeguarding issues.
The Moscow Times offers an in-depth look at the internal conflict at St. Andrew's Anglican Church in Moscow, detailing the legal disputes, visa challenges for the chaplain, and the suspension of services. It presents perspectives from both the Diocese in Europe and the church administration, illustrating the complexity of the dispute.
All Africa reports on the security crisis in Kaduna State, Nigeria, describing the abduction of church members during services and the broader pattern of violence against Christian communities. It includes statements from church leaders urging vigilance and government action, providing a local perspective on the ongoing insecurity.
Sky News adds context to Mullally's appointment by exploring her unique career path and the challenges she faces within the Church of England and the wider Anglican Communion, including reactions from the Roman Catholic Church in England and Wales.
How we got here
The Church of England has evolved since breaking from Rome in the 16th century, ordaining its first female priests in 1994 and bishops in 2015. The Anglican Communion remains divided on women's ordination and LGBTQ+ inclusion. St. Andrew's in Moscow, the only purpose-built Anglican church in Russia, has faced internal strife since 2024. In Nigeria, religious violence has escalated, with frequent attacks on churches and abductions in Kaduna State.
Go deeper
- What challenges does Sarah Mullally face as the first female Archbishop?
- What is causing the dispute at St. Andrew's Anglican Church in Moscow?
- How is the Nigerian church responding to the recent abductions?
Common question
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Who Is Sarah Mullally and Why Is Her Appointment as First Female Archbishop Historic?
Sarah Mullally's appointment as the first female Archbishop of Canterbury marks a significant milestone for the Church of England and the wider religious community. This historic event raises important questions about gender equality, church reforms, and societal progress. Below, we explore who she is, what her appointment means, and how it might influence future debates within the church and beyond.
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What’s Behind the Dispute at St. Andrew’s Moscow Church?
The conflict at St. Andrew’s in Moscow has sparked questions about church authority, internal disagreements, and how religious communities handle disputes. With tensions rising over control and finances, many wonder what this means for the future of church unity and leadership. Below, we explore the key questions surrounding this ongoing dispute and what it reveals about religious conflicts today.
More on these topics
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The Church of England is the established church of England. The Archbishop of Canterbury is the most senior cleric, although the monarch is the supreme governor. The Church of England is also the mother church of the international Anglican Communion.
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Dame Sarah Elisabeth Mullally, DBE is a British Anglican bishop, Lord Spiritual and former nurse. She has been Bishop of London since 8 March 2018.