Sarah Mullally has been named as the new Archbishop of Canterbury, marking a historic moment as she becomes the first woman to hold this position in the Church of England’s 1,400-year-old history. Prior to this appointment, Mullally, aged 63, served as the Bishop of London starting in 2018 and has been an advocate for progressive causes within the church, such as supporting blessings for same-sex couples in civil partnerships and marriages.
Reforms implemented over a decade ago paved the way for women to assume the role of Archbishop of Canterbury. By being selected as the 106th Archbishop, Mullally breaks the tradition of male leadership in one of the few remaining areas of British public life that had only been led by men. In response to her appointment, Mullally expressed her desire to unite people and foster a sense of “hope and healing” within the church, encouraging growth and confidence among its members.
As a former cancer nurse and England’s former chief nursing officer in the early 2000s, Mullally brings a background of advocating for openness and transparency in church settings, allowing for diversity and respectful disagreements. She draws parallels between her nursing experience and her role as a priest, emphasizing the importance of compassion and support during challenging times in people’s lives.
Mullally has taken a firm stance against proposed legislation on assisted dying, labeling the plan as “unworkable and unsafe” with potential risks for society’s most vulnerable individuals. Ordained as a priest in 2002, she made history in 2015 by becoming one of the first women consecrated as a bishop in the Church of England. Additionally, as a member of the House of Lords, Mullally has addressed various societal issues, including the cost of living, healthcare, and social justice.
The appointment of the first female Archbishop of Canterbury could accentuate the differences between Anglicans globally, with the majority residing in countries like Nigeria, Kenya, and Uganda, and the Church of England. GAFCON, a coalition of conservative Anglican churches in Africa and Asia, immediately criticized Mullally’s selection, claiming it signifies a loss of leadership authority within the English branch of the Church.
Mullally is scheduled to be formally installed at Canterbury Cathedral in March 2026. This announcement comes following the resignation of Justin Welby in November due to a scandal involving a cover-up of child abuse. Reflecting the established status of the Church of England in England, Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s office confirmed Mullally’s appointment with the consent of King Charles. As the Supreme Governor of the Church of England, King Charles III’s role dates back to the 16th century during King Henry VIII’s separation from the Catholic Church.
