Sarah Mullally has been named as the new Archbishop of Canterbury, marking the first time in the 1,400-year history of the role that a woman will lead the Church of England. Mullally, 63, has 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 11 years ago paved the way for women to hold this position. As the 106th Archbishop of Canterbury, Mullally breaks the tradition of male leadership in one of the few remaining areas of British public life that had been exclusively led by men. In her acceptance statement, Mullally expressed her desire to unite people in finding “hope and healing” and to empower the church to grow in confidence.
Mullally, a former cancer nurse who previously served as England’s chief nursing officer, emphasized the importance of creating an inclusive environment within churches that allows for diversity of opinions. She has drawn parallels between nursing and priesthood, highlighting the shared focus on providing care and support during challenging times in people’s lives.
In addition to her advocacy for transparency and inclusivity, Mullally has been a staunch opponent of assisted dying legislation currently under review in Parliament. She views the proposal as impractical and unsafe, posing risks to vulnerable individuals in 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 is a member of the House of Lords and has addressed various issues, including the cost-of-living crisis, healthcare, and social justice. With the majority of Anglicans worldwide residing in countries like Nigeria, Kenya, and Uganda, Mullally’s appointment as the first female Archbishop may underscore differences with Anglican communities in other regions.
GAFCON, a coalition of conservative Anglican churches in Africa and Asia, criticized Mullally’s appointment, questioning the Church of England’s leadership authority. Mullally is set to be formally installed in a ceremony at Canterbury Cathedral in March 2026, following the vacancy left by Justin Welby’s resignation over a child abuse scandal last November.
Reflecting the Church of England’s status as the established church in England, Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s office announced Mullally’s appointment with the formal approval of King Charles. As the Supreme Governor of the Church of England, Charles, as monarch, plays a pivotal role in the church’s governance, a tradition established during King Henry VIII’s separation from the Catholic Church in the 16th century.