Sarah Mullally: First Female Archbishop of Canterbury Appointed

London, Oct 3 (PTI) - In a historic milestone, the Church of England has appointed its first female Archbishop of Canterbury, with Bishop of London Sarah Mullally stepping into the role, as reported by 10 Downing Street today.

Taking charge as the Church’s principal leader, the Right Reverend and Right Honourable Dame Sarah Mullally will lead 85 million Anglicans globally, covering 165 countries. Her appointment comes after extensive consultation across the UK following Reverend Justin Welby’s resignation last year amid a child abuse scandal involving a church-associated barrister and allegations of a cover-up.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer extended a warm welcome to former NHS nurse Sarah Mullally, celebrating her as the “first woman to hold the role” of the 106th Archbishop of Canterbury, an appointment also formally approved by King Charles III.

Starmer stated, “The Church of England holds profound importance in our country, with its churches, cathedrals, schools, and charities woven into the fabric of our communities. The Archbishop of Canterbury will play a pivotal role in our national life. I wish her every success and look forward to working together.”

Sarah Mullally, 63, currently known as the Archbishop of Canterbury-designate, will officially assume the role following her Confirmation of Election at St. Paul’s Cathedral in London in January 2026. A formal installation service will take place at Canterbury Cathedral in March next year.

Bishop Mullally expressed her commitment, stating, “As I respond to the call of Christ to this new ministry, I do so with the same spirit of service to God and others that has motivated me since my teenage faith. Throughout my journey, from nursing to Christian ministry, I’ve learned to listen deeply to both people and God’s prompting, aiming to unite people in finding hope and healing. I want to encourage the Church to grow in the Gospel’s confidence, to speak of the love found in Jesus Christ, and for it to shape our actions.”

The new leader of the Church of England is eager to share her faith journey with millions in the global Anglican Communion. “I know this is a huge responsibility, but I approach it with a sense of peace and trust in God to carry me as He always has,” she added.

Originally from Woking, Mullally has served as the Bishop of London since 2018, being the first woman in that role as well, and previously served as the Bishop of Crediton in the Diocese of Exeter. Prior to her ordination in 2001, she was the UK government’s Chief Nursing Officer for England, having been appointed at 37, the youngest ever to do so, and specialized as a cancer nurse. She reflected on her nursing career as an “opportunity to reflect the love of God.”

The Crown Nominations Commission (CNC) for Canterbury, comprising Church of England representatives, the global Anglican Communion, and the Diocese of Canterbury, nominated Bishop Sarah after public consultation. Notably, this was the first occasion women were considered for the role.

Lord Evans, CNC chair, noted that the panel had listened to the “voices of thousands of people” and will be praying for “Bishop Sarah as she prepares for her new ministry in the coming months.”

As the senior-most bishop in the Church of England, the Archbishop of Canterbury holds various responsibilities, including a seat in the House of Lords as one of the 26 Lords Spiritual.

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