An Open Letter from Pakistani Anglican Leaders Raises Concerns About Welsh Archbishop Appointment
(Photo: Church in Wales)
The recent appointment of an openly gay Archbishop of Wales, Rt Rev Cherry Vann, has sparked a wave of reactions across the Anglican community worldwide. In a significant development, Anglican leaders in Pakistan have addressed their concerns through an open letter to Rt Rev Anthony Poggo, Secretary General of the Anglican Communion.
This letter, which appeared on Anglican Ink, carries the signatures of the Most Rev Dr Azad Marshall, the head of the Anglican Church of Pakistan, along with other bishops and church officers. They express “deep concern and grief” over Vann’s appointment.
While the bishops emphasize their respect for the autonomy of Anglican provinces to make independent decisions, they also highlight that such decisions can carry serious implications. They argue that Vann’s appointment stands in contradiction to the biblical teachings that are believed to unify believers globally.
“Our partnership as global Anglicans is built on shared beliefs; when those foundations shift, our fellowship is shaken,” the letter states, underscoring their concern.
The appointment has broader implications in Pakistan, a country where homosexuality is illegal and Christians are often a persecuted minority. The bishops warn that such decisions “feed hostile narratives” in their context.
In closing, the letter calls for repentance, prayer, and humility, while acknowledging the historical role of the Church in Wales in promoting the gospel worldwide. “We write not from a place of condemnation, but with grief, humility, and earnest love—grief over a once-cherished communion strained by theological compromise; humility as fellow sinners in need of grace; and love for the Church of Wales, with its historic contribution to global mission and Christian witness. Even now, we do not lose hope.”
Additional voices within the Anglican community have echoed these concerns. The Most Rev Dr Laurent Mbanda, Chairman of the Gafcon Primates Council, labeled Vann’s election as an “act of apostasy” and a “failure in leadership.” Similarly, the Most Rev Dr Justin Badi Arama, Primate of South Sudan and Chair of the Global South Fellowship of Anglican Churches, criticized what he sees as a “divisive rejection of the historic biblical and Anglican teaching on marriage and human” values.
This article was originally written by www.christiantoday.com
