Church of England gets first-ever woman head as Sarah Mullally named Archbishop of Canterbury
The Church of England has made history by appointing its first female leader. Sarah Mullally, a 63-year-old nurse-turned-cleric, steps up as the new Archbishop of Canterbury designate after the top role sat empty for nearly a year.
Mullally brings a wealth of experience to the position. She spent over 35 years in the National Health Service, rising to Chief Nursing Officer. In 2006, she became a priest, and by 2018, she made waves as the first woman Bishop of London—the third-highest role in the Church of England clergy.
While the British monarch serves as the official head of the Church of England, the Archbishop of Canterbury acts as the spiritual leader for the church and the global Anglican Communion. Tradition guides the selection: a committee recommends a name to the Prime Minister, who passes it to the monarch for approval.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer praised the choice, saying, “I wish her every success and look forward to working together.” King Charles III also offered his support, calling the role “of such importance in the UK and across the global Anglican Communion,” according to Buckingham Palace.
Not everyone celebrates the move, though. The Global Fellowship of Confessing Anglicans, a conservative group, voiced concerns. They noted that while some will welcome Mullally’s appointment, “the majority of the Anglican Communion still believes that the Bible requires a male-only episcopacy.”
This milestone builds on progress for women in the church. The Church of England ordained its first female priests in 1994, and the inaugural women bishops arrived in 2014.
Mullally won’t officially start until her election confirmation in January, followed by an enthronement ceremony where she pays homage to the King. But she wasted no time speaking out. On Friday, she condemned the “horrific violence” from an attack on a Manchester synagogue the day before, declaring, “Hatred and racism cannot tear us apart.”
In her first interview as designate with the BBC, Mullally shared what she’ll bring to the job. “I have had experiences as a nurse leading complex organisations, as the government’s chief nursing officer, and also a diocese that is very diverse in London,” she said. “So I have been prepared for some of this, but recognise I can’t do it alone. I need to do it with other colleagues.”
She also highlighted the inspiration her role provides. “Being the first woman is historic,” Mullally noted. “I often go to schools, and particularly the young women sit up and listen… it does allow them to think there are possibilities for them to fulfil their dreams.”
The vacancy stemmed from Justin Welby’s resignation last year amid a safeguarding scandal. A report criticized him for failing to report a child abuser linked to the church to police. Archbishop of York Stephen Cottrell stepped in temporarily to handle most duties. He’s part of the selection committee but now faces his own pressure to resign over an abuse case he managed.
Stay informed on all the latest news, real-time breaking news updates, and follow all the important headlines in world News on Latest NewsX. Follow us on social media Facebook, Twitter(X), Gettr and subscribe our Youtube Channel.
