Retired archbishop of the West Indies and former Bishop of Jamaica and the Cayman Islands, Rev. Dr. Howard Gregory has fond memories of working with Bishop Sarah Mullally and says he supports her appointment as the new Archbishop of Canterbury.
Rev. Dr. Gregory retired in December 2024 from both Anglican posts, but prior to this, he had worked with Mullally on committee matters.
“We have worked on issues to do with… issues of humanity. We have covered grounds to deal with things like slavery, issues related to reparations and other issues, so I know exactly something of where she stands on many issues of concern, not just to the Church of England or even controversial where some of the Church of England members are concerned,” he told the Freedom Come Rain newspaper.
“I no longer would meet her in the councils as I used to, but I certainly would support her in her ministry and pray for her as she faces the many challenges that face the communion, that face the Church of England, that face the Church across the world today,” he said.
Mullally’s appointment has been very controversial. While some support her progressive theological positions, some in the Anglican Communion believe the Bible requires a male-only episcopacy. Her pro-choice, pro-LGBTQ leanings have also triggered concerns.
Rev. Dr. Gregory says Mullally’s position on same-sex union is one which is consistent with the laws of her country. He noted that the position is different from the one supported in Jamaica and by several African countries.
“You know, there are some things you can’t do based on what the laws allow and certain things that you have to engage. The Church ministers in a context you know, and the context has to be engaged from the perspective of faith as well, and [you have to] recognise that there are differences in interpretation of the faith and the interpretation and application of Scripture to contemporary life,” he said.
The Anglican community in Jamaica has an estimated 40,000 members. The Church in the Province of the West Indies (CPWI), of which the Diocese of Jamaica and the Cayman Islands is a part, does not support same-sex unions. This is in keeping with the Lambeth Resolution 1:10 of 1998, which states that the denomination cannot advise the legitimising or blessing of same-sex unions or the ordaining of those involved in same-gender unions. Rev Dr. Gregory noted that while the church body has one view, individuals might share a different perspective. He does not believe Jamaica should reject Mullally.
“I think even within the life of a local congregation, not everybody is going to agree on the same issues, but you don’t say I can’t stay in this congregation because I disagree with one point or because I disagree with two points,” he said.
Pastor and lecturer at the Jamaica School of Preaching and Biblical Studies International, Joseph Buckland, shares a different view, however. He said God’s Word should be the basis of determining right from wrong.
“I believe that there comes a time when people have to separate themselves from those that are not upholding the truth of the Word of God,” he said.