Sarah Mullally Makes History as First Female Archbishop of Canterbury
The Church of England has appointed Bishop Sarah Mullally as the 106th Archbishop of Canterbury, marking the first time a woman will lead the church in its centuries-long history. She will succeed Justin Welby, who is retiring after 11 years.
Key Details of the Appointment
- Historic First: Sarah Mullally becomes the first woman to lead the Church of England.
- Succession: She will take over from Archbishop Justin Welby in early 2025.
- Background: A former nurse and England’s chief nursing officer, she was ordained in 2001 and became Bishop of London in 2018.
Official Announcement and Reaction
The Prime Minister’s Office confirmed the appointment, stating Mullally was selected by the Crown Nominations Commission. The 62-year-old bishop said she was “deeply honoured” by the decision.
“I am conscious of the great responsibility that comes with this role, and I will seek to serve the Church and the nation with humility and grace,” Mullally said.
Outgoing Archbishop Justin Welby warmly welcomed her selection, calling her “a person of great integrity, wisdom and compassion.” He added, “She will be a wonderful Archbishop of Canterbury, and I wish her every blessing in her new role.”
A Landmark for the Church
This appointment is a significant milestone for the Church of England, which began ordaining women as priests in 1994 and as bishops only in 2014. Mullally’s enthronement ceremony is scheduled for early 2025 at Canterbury Cathedral.
