Sarah Mullally Appointed First Woman Archbishop of Canterbury in Historic Church of England Move
London, UK – In a landmark decision that reshapes the leadership of the Church of England, the Bishop of London, Dame Sarah Mullally, has been appointed as the 106th Archbishop of Canterbury. This historic nomination, approved by His Majesty King Charles III, marks the first time a woman will hold this esteemed position in the church’s nearly 1,400-year history, signifying a new era for the global Anglican Communion.
The announcement, made on October 3, 2025, places Mullally at the helm of the Church of England, with her spiritual leadership extending to an estimated 85 million Anglicans worldwide. She succeeds Justin Welby, who resigned in January 2025 following significant pressure related to the Church’s handling of abuse scandals.
A Groundbreaking Career Path
Dame Sarah Mullally brings a unique and extensive background to one of the most influential religious roles in the United Kingdom. Before her ordination, Mullally pursued a distinguished career in nursing. She specialized as a cancer nurse and rapidly ascended through healthcare leadership, becoming the youngest Chief Nursing Officer for England in 1999. Her contributions to nursing and midwifery were recognized when she was made a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire (DBE) in 2005.
Following her transition to full-time ministry in 2004, Mullally served in various pastoral and administrative roles, including as a Team Rector in Sutton, London, and Canon Treasurer at Salisbury Cathedral. She was consecrated as the Suffragan Bishop of Crediton in 2015, becoming one of the first women to hold episcopal office in the Church of England after the legislation allowing women bishops was passed in 2014. In 2018, she made history again by becoming the 133rd Bishop of London, the third most senior position within the Church.
Navigating Complex Challenges
Mullally’s appointment arrives at a pivotal and often contentious moment for the Church of England. She inherits significant challenges, most notably the ongoing need to address the legacy of safeguarding failures, which deeply impacted trust within the institution and led to her predecessor’s resignation. Mullally has publicly acknowledged this difficult inheritance, committing to listening to survivors and fostering a culture of safety and well-being.
Divisions within the Anglican Communion, particularly concerning human sexuality and the inclusion of LGBTQ+ individuals, also present a formidable hurdle. While Mullally is seen by many as a progressive figure, having supported initiatives like the blessings for same-sex couples through the Church’s Living in Love and Faith process, this stance has drawn criticism from more conservative factions globally. The Church of England itself has recently taken steps towards greater inclusivity, including the removal of anti-LGBTQ+ clauses from clergy selection documents and the authorization of standalone services for same-sex blessings.
Furthermore, the Church faces declining church attendance and financial pressures, issues that will require strategic leadership and pastoral innovation.
The Path to Installation
The formal process of Mullally’s transition to Archbishop of Canterbury is now underway. Following the King’s approval, the College of Canons of Canterbury Cathedral will hold an election, expected before Christmas. A legal ceremony, known as the Confirmation of Election, will take place at St Paul’s Cathedral on January 28, 2026, at which point she will officially become the Archbishop of Canterbury. This will be followed by a service of installation at Canterbury Cathedral in March 2026, marking the commencement of her public ministry in the role.
A Moment of Hope and Division
Reactions to the news have been varied. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer welcomed the appointment, stating, “The Archbishop of Canterbury will play a key role in our national life. I wish her every success and look forward to working together.” Archbishop of York Stephen Cottrell described Mullally as a person of “huge courage, wisdom, integrity and experience.” Religious leaders from the Catholic Church also extended their congratulations, assuring her of prayers and affirming a commitment to developing bonds of friendship and shared mission.
However, conservative groups within the global Anglican Communion, such as GAFCON, have voiced criticism, suggesting the appointment signals a departure from traditional doctrine. For many, Mullally’s leadership represents a step forward for women in the church, offering inspiration and a symbol of progress, while for others, it exacerbates existing theological rifts.
As Archbishop-designate, Sarah Mullally’s initial statements have emphasized hope, healing, and the importance of bringing people together. Her tenure begins with significant expectations, tasked with guiding the Church of England through its contemporary challenges while embodying its enduring faith.
News from London and across the UK has highlighted the profound significance of this appointment, underscoring its impact on both the Church and wider society.
