A Church of England priest has protested the enthronement of the first female "archbishop" of Canterbury

A high-profile incident occurred in London during the solemn enthronement of Sarah Mullaly, the first woman to serve as Archbishop of Canterbury and Primate of all England. Anglican priest Paul Williamson publicly protested the appointment, which was immediately suppressed and the priest himself was escorted out of the cathedral. The case was reportedly another indication of the growing crisis and deepening rift in the Anglican world.

According to the Tribune Chronicle, a ceremony held on January 29, 2026 at St. Paul’s Cathedral was supposed to formally confirm Mallali’s appointment. However, the solemn ritual was interrupted by an unexpected intervention. At the moment when no objections were announced, the priest Paul Williamson stood up and loudly announced his opposition. His protest was immediately cut short and he was escorted out of the cathedral. The incident, captured on video, though lasting only a few seconds, seriously disrupted the ceremony.

Williamson later clarified that his statement was motivated by his principled opposition to the ordination of women. In addition, he referred to past accusations against the new archbishopess, which he felt went without proper consideration and reflection.

The protest is seen as a glaring symptom of a wider crisis gripping the Anglican world. In recent years, many Anglican provinces, especially in Africa and Asia, have openly refused to recognize the spiritual authority of the Canterbury Chair, criticizing the liberal course of the Church of England. The incident in London only confirms the growing schism, manifested even during the most important church ceremonies.

Recall, the Anglican Church of Nigeria, the world’s largest Anglican congregation with more than 18 million believers, announced its «spiritual independence» and the cessation of communion with the Church of England. The reason for such a decisive step was deep disagreement with the liberal reforms carried out by the center, in particular, the decision to bless same-sex unions.