A priest with a history of opposing female ordination was removed from the election service after shouting out his objections to the confirmation of Dame Sarah Mullally as the first Archbishop of Canterbury.
Far from a conservative, Mullally is a self-described feminist and has passionately fought for women’s ordination across the church. She is pro-choice and has been working to move the church in favor of same-sex acceptance and inclusivity.
Rev. Paul Williamson,77, made the comments as soon as the proctor, who represents the College of Canons of Canterbury Cathedral, tried to insist that “No person has appeared in opposition to the Confirmation.”
Following his righteous outburst he was escorted from the building.
“No person has appeared in opposition to the confirmation.” Untrue. The Rev’d Paul Williamson can be heard objecting.
— Fr Calvin Robinson ©️®️ (@calvinrobinson) January 28, 2026
“Objections could be lawfully received and none having appeared as ordered.” Untrue. I have seen the paper trail.
Woe to you, Pharisees!pic.twitter.com/DgF28iZNer
He told Premier News that he was treated “brusquely” despite being willing to walk out on his own, adding “It was nonsense to say that there were no objections, I objected and I’m not into making a scene in the house of God”.
Along with her ordination as a woman, Williamson had multiple other issues with her, including safeguarding issues and the way she treated a priest who was falsely accused of abuse and then later took his own life.
Commenting on the proceedings, independent journalist Emma Dunwell noted:
“So blatantly, brazenly authoritarian – they’ll escort a man out for ‘heckling’ WHILE TELLING HIM he has a legal right to do so – and for his opposition to be recognised. It’s been a while since I’ve seen such a perfect example of the establishment. One of the puppets will read you your ‘rights’, while the other locks you away.”
It wasn’t the first time Williamson made his objections known to what he felt were unbiblical actions. Ten years ago, as the Rev. Libby Lane was being ordained as the first woman bishop in the Church of England, he was a lone voice who spoke out in protest, calling out “No, not in the Bible” to the gathered throng.
