The Church of England made history with the appointment of Right Reverend Dame Sarah Mullally as the 106th Archbishop of Canterbury, making her the first female to ever hold this prestigious position. Dame Sarah Mullally, a married mother-of-two, aged 63, was selected for this significant role following the resignation of Justin Welby amidst a safeguarding scandal. The announcement of Mullally’s appointment, personally approved by King Charles, marks a monumental moment for the church as she is set to be installed at Canterbury Cathedral in March 2026.
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The significance of Dame Sarah Mullally’s appointment cannot be overstated, as she will be the first woman to hold the position in the 1,428-year history of the Church of England. Mullally’s journey to this esteemed position underscores her commitment to service and her ability to bring people together for hope and healing. Prior to her ordination as a priest in 2006, Mullally made waves as the youngest-ever chief nurse in the U.K.’s National Health Service at the age of 37, specializing in cancer care. In 2018, she became the first female Bishop of London, further solidifying her trailblazing path in the church.
Reflecting on her career and the path that led her to this historic moment, Mullally emphasized the importance of listening deeply to both people and God’s guidance. Her vision for the Church of England under her leadership revolves around growing in confidence in the Gospel and embodying the love found in Jesus Christ through actions. Mullally expressed her eagerness to embark on this faith journey alongside millions of individuals dedicated to serving God and their communities within the Anglican Communion.
Mullally’s appointment follows the resignation of Justin Welby, who stepped down amidst criticism of his handling of a safeguarding case involving a child abuser linked to the church. The transition in leadership also involved Archbishop of York Stephen Cottrell taking over Welby’s responsibilities temporarily, despite facing calls for resignation due to his own handling of an abuse case. As Mullally prepares to formally assume the role of Archbishop of Canterbury, various ceremonial events such as an election by the College of Canons of Canterbury Cathedral and confirmation of election at St Paul’s Cathedral are scheduled to take place.
In response to Dame Sarah Mullally’s appointment, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer extended his support and well-wishes, recognizing the importance of the Church of England in the country’s fabric. He highlighted the significant role that the Archbishop of Canterbury plays in national life and expressed his anticipation of collaborating with Mullally. The historic milestone of appointing the first female Archbishop of Canterbury marks a progressive step towards inclusivity and gender equality within the Church of England.
The appointment of Dame Sarah Mullally signifies a new chapter in the Church of England’s history, symbolizing a shift towards diversity and inclusivity in its leadership. Mullally’s wealth of experience in healthcare and ministry, coupled with her dedication to service and community, positions her as a beacon of hope and healing within the church. As she prepares to assume her role as Archbishop of Canterbury, Mullally’s appointment serves as a testament to the evolving landscape of religious leadership and the embrace of gender equality within the church hierarchy.