Thousands Support Petition Urging Archbishop of Canterbury Sarah Mullally to Resign Over 9/11 Award Controversy

Bishop Sarah Mullally, the Archbishop of Canterbury, has become the subject of a growing petition calling for her resignation. The petition, which has garnered thousands of signatures, emerged in the wake of an incident in which Mullally presented an award to a Muslim cleric who had previously made controversial remarks about Osama bin Laden on the anniversary of the 9/11 attacks.

The petition, launched on Change.org, was initially created eight months ago when Mullally became the first female leader of the Church of England. The renewed attention came after the Archbishop presented the Hubert Walter Award for Reconciliation and Interfaith Cooperation to Hafiz Muhammad Tahir Mehmood Ashrafi on September 11, 2026, the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. The award was given to Ashrafi, a Muslim cleric known for his advocacy on behalf of religious minorities in Pakistan, particularly Christians.

Ashrafi had previously drawn controversy for remarks in 2007 that referred to Osama bin Laden as “Saifullah,” meaning “Sword of God.” His representatives have disputed claims that these comments amounted to an endorsement of bin Laden. The Archbishop’s decision to honor Ashrafi on the anniversary of 9/11 has raised questions about due diligence and the Church’s approach to reconciliation and interfaith cooperation.

The Church of England later withdrew the award, but the incident has intensified scrutiny of the Church’s leadership. Petition creator Emma Ash highlighted concerns about accountability and the prioritization of survivor voices within the Church. She emphasized the need for greater transparency and responsibility in the face of historical and ongoing challenges.

Ash also pointed to broader issues within the Church of England, including unresolved safeguarding concerns that have been reported in national media. These issues, she argued, underscore the need for leadership that is both compassionate and accountable. The petition has gained momentum, with over 3,700 signatures as of Monday afternoon.

The incident has sparked a wider conversation about the role of religious leaders in addressing historical trauma and fostering reconciliation. As the Church of England continues to navigate these complex issues, the call for greater accountability and transparency remains a pressing concern for many within its community.

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