Dr. Mbanda, who also serves as President of Gafcon (Global Anglican Future Conference)  an international fellowship of Anglicans dedicated to upholding biblical teachings  said the Church of England has once again shown that it prioritizes division over unity.

Sarah Mullally, formerly England’s Chief Nursing Officer, becomes the first woman to lead the Anglican Church at the international level. However, her support for prayers of blessing for same-sex couples has sparked widespread controversy among conservative Anglicans, particularly within Gafcon, who view such practices as contrary to Scripture.

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In a statement issued on Wednesday, October 3, Archbishop Mbanda said: “For months we have been praying for the selection of someone who could bring unity to our church. But once again, the Church of England has shown that it has chosen a leader who will only deepen division.”

He noted that for more than 150 years, the Archbishop of Canterbury has been regarded as a spiritual and moral leader within the Anglican Communion, but claimed that “that responsibility has now been abandoned.”

Citing the Kigali Commitment of 2023, Mbanda reaffirmed that Gafcon no longer recognizes the Archbishop of Canterbury as a symbol of unity in the global church.

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“We had hoped they would choose someone capable of fostering unity, but that has not happened. Moreover, the fact that she is a woman further demonstrates that Canterbury’s leadership can no longer serve as a sign of unity in our Communion,” he added.

Archbishop Mbanda accused Sarah Mullally of failing to uphold her episcopal vows to “banish and drive away all erroneous and strange doctrine contrary to God’s Word.” Instead, he said, she has promoted teachings that contradict biblical truth concerning marriage and human sexuality.

“It is unacceptable for the church to bless what God has condemned,” he said.

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Mbanda announced that Gafcon will convene in Abuja, Nigeria, from March 3–6, 2026, for the G26 Bishops Assembly, where bishops will discuss how biblical truth can continue to guide the global Anglican Church.

“The leadership of the Anglican Communion will belong to those who stand firmly on biblical truth and the power of God’s Word in every aspect of life,” he declared.

Despite his criticism, Mbanda called on all Anglicans to pray for Archbishop Mullally. “Although this decision saddens us, we pray that our hearts may hear God’s voice, as Psalm 95 reminds us.”  While Sarah Mullally supports allowing clergy to bless same-sex couples, she does not back same-sex marriage ceremonies in church.