The announcement of Sarah Mullally’s appointment as the 106th Archbishop of Canterbury on October 3, 2025, marked a significant moment for the Anglican Church. Following a series of ceremonies over the past months, she is now prepared to step into her new role. However, her journey comes at a time of division within the Anglican Communion.
Joaquin Philpotts, an industrial engineer and lay-minister from Buenos Aires, has been part of this journey. As one of the five representatives on the Crown Nomination Commission, Philpotts spent last summer evaluating various candidates for the position. He was present in January to deliver part of the ‘Charge’ during Mullally’s confirmation and attended her installation at Canterbury Cathedral last week. His message was clear: “As an Instrument of Communion, you are called to minister personally and pastorally to all member churches of the Anglican Communion, especially in collegial partnership with your fellow Primates.”
Despite these aspirations, the Anglican Communion faces tensions, with leaders from 12 of its 42 provinces opting out of the installation ceremony, highlighting a fracturing unity. Philpotts, from the Church of South America whose primate attended the event, acknowledged the challenges ahead. “I think we are in a very special moment. We’ve got to keep looking to work together but we cannot walk on opposite sides of the street,” he remarked, emphasizing the need to confront and resolve existing differences.
Philpotts highlighted the doctrinal disputes, especially over same-sex blessings, stating, “It is a doctrinal issue, and it is important.” He stressed the necessity of resolving these differences through a shared understanding of the word of God, noting that differing interpretations cannot coexist indefinitely. Referencing Jesus’ teachings in Matthew 15:12-14, he warned of the responsibility to uphold doctrine.
Philpotts aligns with the Nairobi-Cairo Covenant and other proposals under discussion by the Anglican Consultative Communion, but he remains skeptical of Gafcon’s new Global Anglican Communion, viewing it as a potential source of further division.
Philpotts urges a focus on Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit, asserting, “Whatever way it broadens, it is not only that, they will have to solve the problems – we all have to solve the problems.” Acknowledging potential future separations, he emphasized the shared responsibility in addressing these issues.
His perspective is shaped by the transformation within his own Province, which has shifted from an Anglo Argentine preserve to one embracing Spanish Argentinian culture and experiencing spiritual growth. The expat English community now presents an evangelistic opportunity.
Concluding with a personal hope for Mullally’s tenure, Philpotts expressed, “My prayer for her, my personal and special prayer is that she preaches a bold gospel. Bold, not bold preaching, but the preaching of a bold gospel – we have to let the world know about the gospel.”
Susie Leafe is director of Anglican Futures, an organisation that provides pastoral and practical support to orthodox Anglicans.
This article was originally written by www.christiantoday.com
