Thousands Sign Petition Calling for Archbishop Sarah Mullally’s Resignation After 9/11 Award Controversy
A petition has been signed massively calling for the resignation of Archbishop of Canterbury Sarah Mullally following controversy over the interfaith award that was presented at Lambeth Palace.
The Change[.]org petition, which was organized by Emma Ash, was originally launched about a few months ago but has attracted a sharp increase in support after Mullally presented the Hubert Walter Award for Reconciliation and Interfaith Cooperation to Pakistani Muslim cleric Hafiz Muhammad Tahir Mehmood Ashrafi on September 11, 2026.
The said ceremony reportedly took place on the 25th anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks. After the awards, Ashrafi later faced scrutiny over comments he made in 2007, that was approximately 19-years ago, concerning Osama bin Laden, including the remarks about giving bin Laden the Islamic title “Saifullah,” which is translated to English as “Sword of God.” Ashrafi’s representatives have disputed interpretations that the comments amounted to support for bin Laden.
Upon knowing this, Lambeth Palace immediately withdrew the award on September 17, just 5 days after it was presented, saying previous comments by Ashrafi had come to light. The palace then explains that, the original honor recognized his work supporting religious minorities in Pakistan, particularly the Christians, while reaffirming its commitment to interfaith cooperation.
The petition raises broader questions about Mullally’s leadership, including concerns surrounding safeguarding within the Diocese of London during her time as bishop. It references the death of Father Alan Griffin and testimony from former safeguarding team member Michelle Burns. Earlier reporting has also examined concerns about how Griffin was treated after being named in an internal document containing allegations that were not supported by an accuser or formal complaint.
Following the petition, recent reports show that, it had surpassed 3,700 signatures by September 21, with thousands of additional supporters reportedly joining after the latest controversy.
The petition is therefore calling for Mullally to step down, arguing that the controversies have raised questions about accountability, safeguarding and confidence in the leadership of the Church of England.
