Dame Sarah Mullally has been named as the new Archbishop of Canterbury, becoming the first woman to hold the position. She brings decades of experience in the NHS and Church of England leadership.
Mullally, 63, began her career in healthcare and became the youngest-ever chief nursing officer for England in 1999. She was ordained as a priest in 2006 and became the first female Bishop of London in 2018. That role made her the third most senior clergy member in the Church.
This appointment marks the first time in nearly 500 years that a woman will lead the Church of England. The position has been vacant for almost a year following Justin Welby’s resignation over a safeguarding scandal. Welby stepped down after a report found he “could and should” have reported abuse by John Smyth to the police in 2013.
Archbishop of York Stephen Cottrell handled most of Welby’s duties during the interim. He also served as a voting member in selecting Mullally. Cottrell has faced criticism for his handling of past abuse cases.
Women were first ordained as priests in 1994, with the first female bishops appointed in 2014. Following tradition, the process for selecting an archbishop involves a recommendation to the Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer, and approval from the monarch.
Sir Keir welcomed Mullally’s appointment, saying she will play a key role in national life. King Charles III also congratulated her, noting the importance of her role both in the UK and across the global Anglican Communion.
Mullally will officially assume her duties after a confirmation of election in January. An enthronement ceremony will follow after homage to the King.
In a statement, Mullally said she approaches the new role “with a sense of peace and trust in God.” Speaking from Canterbury Cathedral, she emphasized Anglicanism’s ability to offer a steady voice in a fractured world.
Addressing recent events, she condemned hatred following an attack on a synagogue in Manchester. She called on the Church to stand against antisemitism and racism, asserting that communities must not be torn apart by hatred.
Mullally spent over 35 years in the NHS before transitioning fully to ministry. She volunteered in the Church while working as a nurse, then decided to become a priest. Early in her clerical career, she helped reform the Church’s response to abuse.
In 2012, she became canon treasurer at Salisbury Cathedral. She then served as Bishop of Crediton in Exeter from 2015 before her appointment as Bishop of London. In London, she applied her NHS administrative experience to modernize diocesan operations.
Mullally has consistently framed her work as a single vocation: following Jesus Christ and serving others. She has focused on compassion, whether as a nurse, priest, or bishop.
One of her urgent priorities will be improving how the Church handles abuse and supports victims. She also faces challenges such as declining church attendance, though London has fared better than some dioceses.
Mullally has voiced strong opinions on social issues. She opposes assisted dying, describing legislation as “unworkable and unsafe” and risky for vulnerable populations. She also chaired discussions on blessing same-sex marriages, describing the 2023 decision to allow priests to bless same-sex couples as “a moment of hope for the Church.”
Rowan Williams, a former Archbishop of Canterbury, described her role as needing “a newspaper in one hand and a Bible in the other.” He added that the expectation to comment on everything makes the position demanding.
Dame Sarah Mullally’s appointment represents a historic milestone for the Church of England. Her blend of healthcare, leadership, and pastoral experience equips her to guide the Church through reform, social challenges, and the evolving role of faith in modern society.
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