In a historic move, Sarah Mullally has been appointed as the new Archbishop of Canterbury, becoming the first woman to hold the position in its 1,400-year history. The 63-year-old, who previously served as the Bishop of London, will now lead the global Anglican Communion, comprising 85 million members. Mullally’s appointment marks a significant milestone for the Church of England, which has been grappling with declining relevance in an increasingly secular society. Her diverse background, including a distinguished career as a nurse and Chief Nursing Officer for England, brings a unique perspective to her new role. Mullally’s leadership will be tested as she navigates internal divisions between conservative and liberal factions, addresses the fallout from past safeguarding failures, and works to rebuild trust within the church. Her appointment, made possible by reforms introduced by her predecessor Justin Welby, has been met with mixed reactions, particularly from conservative Anglican groups in Africa and Asia. Mullally has pledged to prioritize listening to survivors of abuse, caring for the vulnerable, and fostering a culture of safety and wellbeing. She will officially assume her role in March 2026, succeeding Welby, who resigned amid controversy over his handling of a child abuse scandal. As the spiritual leader of the Anglican Communion, Mullally will also face the challenge of reversing declining church attendance and addressing financial pressures. Her appointment reflects a broader shift within the Church of England toward inclusivity and modernization, though it remains to be seen how she will bridge the growing divide between the church’s liberal and conservative wings.
Woman appointed Archbishop of Canterbury in a historic first for the Church of England
