Sarah Mullally was named on Friday as the new Archbishop of Canterbury, becoming the first woman to head the Church of England in its 1,400-year history.

The 63-year-old, who has been Bishop of London since 2018, also assumes the role of spiritual leader for some 85 million Anglicans worldwide. The communion remains divided, with conservative branches in Africa and Asia clashing with more liberal churches in the West, particularly on issues such as homosexuality.

The Global Anglican Future Conference (GAFCON), a coalition of conservative Anglican churches, swiftly denounced the appointment, claiming the English church had “relinquished its authority to lead”.

Record-breaking appointment

Reforms passed 11 years ago paved the way for a woman to hold the office. As the 106th Archbishop of Canterbury, Mullally now becomes the first female leader in a role previously reserved for men.

In her acceptance remarks, she said she hoped to unite people and offer “hope and healing”.

“I want, very simply, to encourage the Church to continue to grow in confidence,” she said, pledging to share the journey of faith with congregations across England and the Anglican Communion.

Liberal record and professional background

Mullally has previously advocated for liberal reforms within the Church, including blessings for same-sex couples in civil partnerships and marriages. Before entering the clergy, she worked as a cancer nurse and later served as England’s Chief Nursing Officer in the early 2000s.

She has often stressed the parallels between nursing and ministry, describing both as vocations rooted in supporting people through life’s most difficult moments.

Ordained in 2002, she was among the first women consecrated as bishops in 2015. Since then, she has sat in the House of Lords, where she has spoken on the cost-of-living crisis, health policy, and social justice issues.

National and royal approval

Her appointment was formally announced by Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s office with the consent of King Charles III, reflecting the Church of England’s status as the established church.

“The Archbishop of Canterbury will play a key role in our national life. I wish her every success and look forward to working together,” Starmer said.

King Charles, as monarch, remains Supreme Governor of the Church, a position created in the 16th century by Henry VIII’s break with Rome.

The Church has been without a leader since Justin Welby resigned last November over a child abuse cover-up scandal.

Mullally will be installed at Canterbury Cathedral in March 2026. She is married to Eamonn and has two adult children.

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