Conservative church group condemns choice of female Archbishop of Canterbury

A conservative church group, Gafcon, has condemned the choice of a female Archbishop of Canterbury. The group, which represents a significant number of Anglican churches worldwide, believes that the Bible mandates a male-only leadership in the episcopacy. The appointment of the first female Archbishop of Canterbury, Reverend Justin Welby, has sparked controversy within the church. Gafcon, which stands for the Global Anglican Future Conference, has voiced its opposition to this decision, stating that it goes against their interpretation of biblical teachings. The group's stance reflects the ongoing debate within the Anglican Communion regarding the role of women in church leadership. While some denominations have embraced the ordination of women, others, like Gafcon, maintain a more traditional view that excludes female clergy from the highest positions of authority. The news highlights the continuing tensions within the Anglican Church as it navigates the complex issues of gender equality and the interpretation of scripture.