Folks, I am burdened today. I shouldn’t have logged on to social media today. The Church of England just named Dame Sarah Mullally as their first woman Archbishop of Canterbury. Now, I don’t doubt her sincerity, but this move breaks my heart, makes me uneasy, as it’s another step away from the clear teaching of Scripture.
Here at bornagainchristians.org, we stick to the Bible, God’s unchanging Word. Back in March, I wrote a fine piece on why women can’t be pastors biblically https://bornagainchristians.org/2025/03/26/can-women-be-pastors/. Let’s open our Bibles and see why this matters, and what the CoE’s been doing that’s pulling them from the truth.
What Does the Word Say?
Turn with me to 1 Timothy 2:11-12, using the NKJV: “Let a woman learn in silence with all submission. And I do not permit a woman to teach or to have authority over a man, but to be in silence.” Paul’s not being harsh; he’s grounding this in creation, Adam first, then Eve (v. 13). It’s God’s design, not a cultural thing. Flip over to 1 Timothy 3:2: an elder, a pastor, must be “the husband of one wife.” That’s a man, folks, leading the church like Christ leads His bride (Eph. 5:23). Women are precious in God’s work, think Phoebe, a servant in Romans 16:1, or Priscilla helping privately in Acts 18:26, but the pastor’s role? That’s for men, per Scripture.
The Church of England’s Drift
Now, let’s look at where the CoE’s gone. They’ve been sliding for years, chasing the world’s applause instead of God’s Word. Here’s a quick rundown of what they’ve done, and why it doesn’t line up with the Bible:
| Stance/Policy | Year | What They Did | Why It’s Off (Bible View) |
| Women Priests | 1994 | Started ordaining women as priests, leading worship and teaching. | 1 Tim. 2:12 says women shouldn’t teach or have authority over men in church. It’s not about worth; it’s God’s order (Gen. 2:18-24). |
| Women Bishops | 2014 | Women can be bishops, ruling over churches. Now a woman’s Archbishop in 2025. | Titus 1:6 calls for male elders, “husband of one wife.” Bishops lead; Scripture says that’s a man’s role. |
| Gay Clergy | 2005+ | Allow non-celibate gay clergy in some places, dropping rules against it in 2025. | Rom. 1:26-27 calls same-sex acts sin. 1 Tim. 3:2 demands leaders be “blameless,” not living in sin. |
| Same-Sex Blessings | 2023 | Bless same-sex couples in church, post-civil unions. | Heb. 13:4 says marriage is between man and woman. Blessing sin defies God’s design (Gen. 2:24). |
| Transgender Support | 2017 | Services to celebrate gender transitions; schools push gender exploration. | Gen. 1:27: God made us male and female. Affirming confusion rejects His creation. |
This ain’t just about one woman leading, it’s a pattern. The CoE’s gone after what I’d call “woke” ideas, bending to culture over Scripture. They’ve even toyed with calling God “Mother” or dropping “church” for “community” to sound modern. Friends, 2 Timothy 4:3 warns of a time when folks won’t endure sound doctrine, chasing teachers to suit their itching ears. That’s what we’re seeing.
A Plea to Come Back
My heart aches, like Paul’s in Galatians 1:6, for those “turning to a different gospel.” The CoE’s losing its salt (Matt. 5:13), and attendance is down 25% since 2000 because folks want the real Jesus, not a trendy version.
I have seen it, people leave Bible-teaching churches for flash and feelings, but God’s Word stands firm. Women serve mightily, but pastoring’s a man’s calling, just as Christ is head of the church.
We are doing fine work in Scotland, teaching verse by verse, using tools like Sermon Audio and out web ministry.
Let’s pray for the CoE to turn back to Scripture, and for us to hold fast, sharing the gospel with love and truth. Open your Bible to 2 Timothy 3:16: “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God.” That’s our anchor.
Will you stand with us on it?
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