Sarah Mullally has been named the new Archbishop of Canterbury, marking the first time a woman has assumed this position in the 1,400-year history of the Church of England. The 63-year-old had been serving as the Bishop of London since 2018 and has been a vocal 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 hold this office. Mullally’s appointment as the 106th Archbishop of Canterbury signifies a historic shift in one of the few remaining male-led sectors of British public life. In her acceptance speech, Mullally expressed her desire to unite people and foster “hope and healing,” emphasizing the need for the church to grow in confidence.
With a background as a former cancer nurse and England’s chief nursing officer in the early 2000s, Mullally has stressed the importance of creating an inclusive and transparent environment within churches that respects differing opinions. She has drawn parallels between nursing and priesthood, highlighting the common theme of providing comfort and support to individuals during challenging times.
Mullally has been vocal in her opposition to proposed legislation on assisted dying, labeling it as “unworkable and unsafe” and warning of potential risks to vulnerable members of society. Ordained as a priest in 2002, she made history in 2015 as one of the first women consecrated as a bishop in the Church of England.
Married with two adult children, Mullally sits in the House of Lords, the UK’s upper parliamentary chamber, where she has addressed various social issues including the cost of living, healthcare, and social justice. Her upcoming installation as Archbishop of Canterbury in March 2026 at Canterbury Cathedral was confirmed by the government.
The appointment of the first female Archbishop of Canterbury may accentuate the differences between the Church of England and Anglican communities in countries like Nigeria, Kenya, and Uganda. GAFCON, a coalition of conservative Anglican churches in Africa and Asia, swiftly criticized Mullally’s selection, suggesting that the English branch of the Church had surrendered its leadership role.
The Church of England has been without a leader since the resignation of Justin Welby in November due to a scandal involving a cover-up of child abuse. Reflecting the Church’s status as the established church of England, Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s office, with the formal consent of King Charles, announced Mullally’s appointment, highlighting the Archbishop’s significant role in national life.
As the Supreme Governor of the Church of England, King Charles, in his capacity as monarch, holds a position established during the 16th-century separation from the Catholic Church.
