Canterbury (UK):
In a historic move, Dame Sarah Mullally has been appointed as the first woman to serve as Archbishop of Canterbury in the nearly 500-year history of the Church of England. The 63-year-old former Bishop of London will officially assume the role in January 2026, following the resignation of her predecessor, Justin Welby, who stepped down amid a safeguarding scandal.
A historic appointment
Mullally’s appointment marks a transformative moment for the Church, long criticised for its reluctance to fully embrace women in leadership roles. While women have served as priests and bishops in recent decades, many senior clergy had openly opposed the idea of a woman taking the top post. Despite scepticism within the institution, Mullally was confirmed as the 106th Archbishop of Canterbury, making history in the Anglican Communion.
First address at Canterbury Cathedral
Delivering her first address inside Canterbury Cathedral, Mullally called for unity, hope and kindness in times of division and global uncertainty. She acknowledged the “misuse of power” within the Church and pledged to continue addressing safeguarding issues, while also extending solidarity to marginalised groups.
“In a world that craves certainty and tribalism, Anglicanism offers something quieter and stronger,” she said. She also paid tribute to the women who came before her, thanking them for their “support and inspiration.”
Responding to tragedy and challenges
Her speech also touched upon Thursday’s deadly attack on a synagogue in Manchester. Condemning the rise of antisemitism, she said: “Hatred and racism of any kind cannot be allowed to tear us apart. As a Church, we have a responsibility to stand with the Jewish community against antisemitism in all its forms.”
She extended her prayers to people suffering in conflict zones including Ukraine, the Middle East, Myanmar and the Democratic Republic of Congo, emphasising that “the possibility of healing lies in acts of kindness and love.”
Background and career
Before joining the clergy in 2006, Mullally had a distinguished career in healthcare, becoming England’s youngest-ever Chief Nursing Officer in 1999. Married with two children, she spent over three decades in the NHS, and later combined her medical and administrative expertise to modernise church operations.
She was consecrated as Bishop of Crediton in 2015, later appointed Bishop of London in 2018, and became a leading voice in Church reforms, particularly in addressing abuse cases and modernising policies.
Mullally is also known for her strong opposition to assisted dying, describing it as “unworkable and unsafe.” At the same time, she was seen as a moderate voice when the Church allowed blessings for same-sex couples in 2023, calling it “a moment of hope.”
Reactions from leaders
Prime Minister Keir Starmer congratulated her, calling the appointment a milestone. “The Archbishop of Canterbury will play a key role in our national life. I wish her every success,” he said.
The King also welcomed the decision, saying he approved the Prime Minister’s recommendation and praised Mullally’s leadership potential.
Navigating divisions
Despite the historic breakthrough, Mullally faces daunting challenges ahead. Divisions within the Church remain sharp over issues such as same-sex marriage and gender equality in leadership. Safeguarding scandals and declining attendance also add pressure. Acknowledging the weight of her new role, she said: “This will not be easy. We must all be willing to have lights shone on our actions, regardless of our role within the Church.”
Mullally will be confirmed in her role in January 2026, followed by an official enthronement service. As she prepares to lead the Anglican Communion through turbulent times, her appointment is being hailed as a landmark moment of both progress and responsibility.