Petition for Canterbury Archbishop’s resignation gets thousands of backers

Archbishop Sara Mullally. Photo: Vima Orthodoxias

More than 3,700 people have signed a petition calling for the resignation of Archbishop of Canterbury Sarah Mullally over an award given to a supporter of Osama bin Laden and alleged failures to address safeguarding concerns, The Christian Post reported.

The petition, launched on Change.org by activist Emma Ash, saw a surge in signatures following reports of a new controversy involving the leadership of the Church of England.

The outcry was sparked by an award for reconciliation and interfaith cooperation presented on September 11, 2026 – the 25th anniversary of the terrorist attacks in the United States – to Pakistani imam Hafiz Muhammad Tahir Mahmood Ashrafi. In 2007, Ashrafi publicly praised terrorist leader Osama bin Laden as the “Sword of God.” Nearly 3,000 people were killed in the September 11, 2001 attacks.

Although the Church of England withdrew the award a week later, the petition’s author said the incident exposed a complete lack of proper vetting and a failure to listen to victims.

“What due diligence was undertaken before presenting such an honour, particularly on the 25th anniversary of 9/11” Emma Ash asked. “This controversy adds to wider concerns about scrutiny at the highest level of the Church and whether those who have experienced abuse, terrorism, and institutional failure are being properly heard.”

The petition also points to unresolved safeguarding concerns. In particular, it cites allegations by former diocesan safeguarding officer Michelle Burns and a formal complaint concerning alleged failures that were concealed in the handling of abuse cases.

“The Archbishop of Canterbury must command moral authority and confidence from survivors. That confidence has now been irreparably damaged,” the petition states.

As the UOJ reported, a "silent disco" was held at Canterbury Cathedral in England.

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