In a historic landmark for the Church of England, Dame Sarah Elisabeth Mullally has been appointed the first female Archbishop of Canterbury, becoming the 106th person to hold one of Christianity’s most visible and influential roles. The decision was officially announced on 3 October 2025, following a process of nomination and approval that will culminate in her formal confirmation early next year.
Mullally, 63, currently serving as Bishop of London since 2018, will succeed Archbishop Justin Welby, who stepped down in January 2025 amid controversies surrounding safeguarding practices in the Church. If all goes according to plan, she will be legally confirmed in January 2026 and enthroned at Canterbury Cathedral in March.
What makes Mullally’s path especially unconventional is that much of her early career was outside traditional theological routes. Before entering ordained ministry, she spent many years in health care, serving as England’s Chief Nursing Officer — a role that shaped her perspective on public service, community care, and the role of spiritual leadership in everyday life.
She was ordained as a priest in 2002 and consecrated as a bishop in 2015. As Bishop of London, Mullally has been noted for her openness, advocacy for social justice, and a greater degree of transparency in Church governance. Her views on issues such as LGBTQ inclusion, blessings for same-sex couples, and accountability have made her a progressive voice in an institution often caught between tradition and modernity.
The role of Archbishop of Canterbury is steeped in centuries of heritage. Established more than 1,400 years ago, it is one of the longest standing leadership positions in Christianity. The Archbishop acts as the spiritual head of the Church of England and is considered “first among equals” in the global Anglican Communion, a membership of some 85 million adherents from more than 165 countries.
Though women were first ordained as priests in the Church of England in 1994, and female bishops only became possible in 2014, until now no woman has held the senior-most role. Mullally’s appointment thus marks a symbolic and structural shift.
The selection of Mullally followed an almost year-long process after Welby’s resignation. The Crown Nominations Commission (CNC), responsible for identifying candidates for the role, nominated her, requiring a two-thirds majority. The name was then forwarded to Prime Minister Keir Starmer, before being approved by King Charles III, a constitutional requirement for Church of England appointments.
Although announced now, Mullally does not assume all responsibilities until the “confirmation of election,” expected in January 2026. Her formal enthronement as Archbishop will follow thereafter. Until then, she remains in her current role.
Reactions to her appointment have ranged from celebration to cautious optimism. Supporters see Mullally as a figure who can unify a fractured Church. Her tenure comes at a time when the Church of England is facing steep challenges: declining attendance, financial strains, issues around safeguarding, and tensions over gender and sexuality.
In her initial statement, Mullally emphasized themes of “hope and healing,” expressing her desire to guide the Church toward greater confidence, honesty, and inclusion.
However, there are also voices of dissent. Conservative Anglican groups, notably GAFCON—which includes churches in Africa and Asia—have voiced opposition to Mullally’s appointment, citing her liberal stances on same-sex blessings and other contested issues. Some critics argue that this marks a further drift away from traditional doctrine.
Mullally’s appointment is not only symbolic, but it reflects broader shifts both within the Church of England and the global Anglican Communion. Over the past decade, the Church has been under increasing pressure to confront past abuses, modernize its structures, and respond to changing social attitudes—especially regarding gender equality, LGBTQ+ rights, and how faith interacts with public life. Many see appointing a woman to Canterbury as overdue, and a chance to reset relationships inside and outside the Church.
Her background in healthcare and public administration, rather than full-time ecclesiastical leadership, may also bring a different style of oversight—one possibly more grounded in pastoral care, managerial accountability, and community engagement. These characteristics will be under scrutiny as she navigates the demands of leading both in England and in the international Communion.
As Archbishop of Canterbury-designate, Mullally’s immediate priorities will include managing the transition from Bishop of London to her new role, ensuring that key governance reforms are strengthened, and addressing deep trust issues within the Church stemming from past safeguarding failures. She will also need to engage with the global Anglican Communion, where some member churches have divergent theological views, especially on LGBTQ+ inclusion.
Her installation will take place at Canterbury Cathedral in March 2026. Between now and then, Mullally will be carrying the weight of both people’s hopes for reform and the responsibilities of continuity—a delicate balance.
Sarah Mullally’s rise to Archbishop of Canterbury marks a major turning point in the nearly 1,400-year history of the position. It acknowledges the slow but steady expansion of possibilities for women in the Church of England, and reflects evolving attitudes in the institution and society at large.
Yet, being first carries its own burdens. Expectations will be high, and the challenges are well known. The Church is at a crossroads—between tradition and reform, between global unity and local diversity, between past mistakes and the promise of a renewed witness. In this moment, Mullally steps into not just a leadership role, but a symbol of change. How she navigates these turbulent waters may well define the next chapter of Anglican identity.
