Dame Sarah Mullally was appointed as Archbishop of Canterbury-designate, becoming first woman ever to lead the Church of England’s most senior post. This marks a historic moment in the 1,400-year-old history of the Church, as she succeeds Justin Welby, who resigned amid criticism related to a Church abuse case.
She will formally assume office following confirmation of election in January, and later a formal enthronement ceremony.
About Dame Sarah Mullally
- Full Name: Dame Sarah Elisabeth Mullally
- Age: 63 years (as of 2025)
- Early Career:
- Served over 35 years in the National Health Service (NHS).
- Became England’s youngest-ever Chief Nursing Officer in 1999.
- Religious Vocation:
- Ordained in 2006 after transitioning from healthcare to priesthood.
- Served in various parish and cathedral roles.
- Became Bishop of Crediton (2015).
- Appointed Bishop of London (2018) – the third highest office in the Church of England and first woman to hold it.
Leadership and Reform
- As Bishop of London, Mullally was regarded as a reformer who used her NHS leadership experience to modernise Church administration and governance.
- Advocated for greater inclusivity, modern accountability, and transparent safeguarding policies within the Church.
Challenges and Key Issues Ahead
Abuse and Safeguarding:
- The Church of England has faced continued criticism for its handling of abuse cases.
- Mullally has previously played a key role in improving safeguarding frameworks and victim support systems.
Assisted Dying:
- She has publicly opposed assisted dying, terming it “unworkable and unsafe” when debated in the UK Parliament.
Same-Sex Blessings:
- Chaired the Church’s 2023 discussions that led to the authorization of blessings for same-sex couples.
- Described the decision as “a moment of hope for the Church.”
Historical and Institutional Significance
- The appointment represents a landmark shift in the Church’s gender representation:
- First female priests ordained: 1994
- First female bishop appointed: 2015
- First female Archbishop of Canterbury-designate: 2025
- Predecessors: 105 men have held the post since St. Augustine became the first Archbishop of Canterbury in 597 CE.
- Marks a symbolic step toward gender equality in one of the oldest Christian institutions in the world.
About Archbishop of Canterbury
- Position: Spiritual head of the Church of England and the global Anglican Communion.
- Residence: Lambeth Palace, London.
- Primary Role:
- Leads the Church of England (the mother church of the Anglican Communion).
- Serves as symbolic head of over 85 million Anglicans worldwide.
- Plays a key role in UK national ceremonies, including coronations and state events.
About Church of England
- Founded: 1534 (separated from the Roman Catholic Church under King Henry VIII).
- Supreme Governor: King Charles III (Monarch of the UK).
- Headquarters: Church House, London.
- Structure: Divided into two provinces – Canterbury and York.
- Canterbury Cathedral: Seat of the Archbishop of Canterbury; one of the oldest and most significant Christian sites in England.
- Global Role: Mother Church of the Anglican Communion, with member churches across 165 countries.