Sarah Mullally Appointed First Female Archbishop of Canterbury
History was made in the Church of England on Friday as Dame Sarah Elisabeth Mullally was named the new Archbishop of Canterbury, becoming the first woman to hold the role in the church’s nearly 1,400-year history.
Mullally, 63, has served as Bishop of London since 2018, the second most senior clerical post in the Church of England.
Before entering ministry, she built a distinguished career in health care, rising to become England’s Chief Nursing Officer.
Her unusual journey from the wards of the National Health Service to the highest seat of Anglican leadership has often been described as a blend of compassion, discipline, and service.
Her appointment follows the resignation of Justin Welby, who stepped down earlier this year amid controversy over the church’s handling of abuse scandals.
The selection process, overseen by the Crown Nominations Commission, culminated with Mullally’s name being approved by Prime Minister Keir Starmer and formally endorsed by King Charles III.
She will be officially installed in March 2026 at Canterbury Cathedral after the legal confirmation of her appointment.
Speaking shortly after the announcement, Mullally struck a conciliatory and hopeful tone. She described her vision as one of unity, listening, and healing, saying the church must “hold fast to the hope we proclaim while walking alongside people in their pain, struggles, and searching.”
She emphasized the importance of engaging with modern society’s challenges while remaining rooted in Christian faith.
The appointment has drawn widespread attention both in Britain and across the global Anglican Communion, which numbers about 85 million members.
Supporters hailed the decision as a long-awaited step toward gender equality in church leadership, especially given that the Church of England only began consecrating female bishops in 2014.
Yet, Mullally faces a difficult road ahead. The Anglican Communion remains deeply divided over issues such as same-sex marriage, safeguarding reforms, declining attendance, and relations between liberal and conservative wings of the church.
Some provinces, particularly in Africa and Asia, are expected to resist her leadership on theological grounds, while others see her appointment as a symbol of progress and inclusivity.
Despite these looming challenges, Mullally’s career suggests resilience. Colleagues note her calm but firm leadership style, shaped by years of experience managing crises in both healthcare and the church.
As one observer remarked, “She has always been a listener first, but never afraid to take hard decisions.”
When she takes her seat at Canterbury, Mullally will not only become the spiritual head of the Church of England but also a figure of global influence across the Anglican world.
Her tenure begins at a time of both crisis and opportunity — and her historic appointment signals that the church is ready, at least in part, to turn a new page.
