Sarah Mullally becomes first woman to lead the Church of England

2026-01-28 - 23:40

The Church of England has entered a new era, formally installing Sarah Mullally as the 106th Archbishop of Canterbury in a ceremony on Wednesday. This landmark appointment marks the first time a woman will lead the church in its nearly 1,400-year history, representing a profound shift for the mother church of the global Anglican Communion. A Historic Ceremony at St. Paul's Cathedral The 63-year-old Bishop of London’s election to the primacy was legally confirmed by ecclesiastical judges in a service at London’s St. Paul's Cathedral. In a video statement shared on the social media platform X following the ceremony, Archbishop-Designate Mullally described it as "a profound service of Confirmation of Election," noting that it "reflected the diversity of the Anglican Communion and the Church of England." A married mother of two, Mullally brings a distinct personal profile to one of the world's most prominent religious offices. From Nursing to the Bishopric: A Unique Path to Leadership Sarah Mullally's path to Canterbury is unconventional for an archbishop. Prior to her ordination, she had a distinguished career as a cancer nurse, eventually rising to become England's Chief Nursing Officer. She was ordained later in life and quickly ascended through the church's hierarchy, serving as the Bishop of Crediton before her appointment as Bishop of London in 2018, a senior position within the Church of England. Her selection to succeed Justin Welby was announced by the church in October 2025, following a months-long search process. Succeeding Amidst Controversy and Charting a New Course Mullally assumes leadership at a challenging time for the institution. Her predecessor, Archbishop Justin Welby, resigned in November 2024 following intense criticism over his handling of information related to a prolific child abuser within the church. Critics alleged he did not take sufficient action to prevent further abuse. As the first female Archbishop of Canterbury, Mullally now faces the dual tasks of guiding the church through this legacy of scandal while also navigating deep internal divisions over issues such as sexuality, doctrine, and the church's role in modern society. Her historic appointment is seen by many as a symbolic step toward a more inclusive future for the Anglican Communion.