Sarah Mullally has made history by becoming the first woman ever appointed as the Archbishop of Canterbury, leading the global community of 85 million Anglicans. This groundbreaking announcement was made on Friday by both the Church of England and the U.K. government. Mullally's election was confirmed by the College of Canons at Canterbury Cathedral and received the royal approval of King Charles III.
At 63 years old, Mullally brings a wealth of experience to her new role. Previously, she served as the Bishop of London and is recognized as the fourth woman to ever be ordained in the history of the Church of England. Not only does she hold a significant position within the church, but she also has a seat in the House of Lords, the upper house of the United Kingdom's parliament, showcasing her influence beyond ecclesiastical boundaries.
Before her ecclesiastical leadership, Mullally had a distinguished career in healthcare. In 1999, she became the youngest individual to be appointed as the Chief Nursing Officer for England. Her commitment to service and leadership has been a hallmark of her career, demonstrating her dedication to both faith and community.
In her inaugural sermon as Bishop of London in 2018, Mullally referenced the historical struggles of women in the church, notably mentioning how suffragettes attempted to disrupt the church, saying, "Let me reassure you I do not come carrying bombs — or perhaps not literal ones anyway!" She recognized her role as the first woman Bishop of London as inherently subversive, a notion she fully embraces as she steps into her new position.
Mullally's appointment comes at a pivotal time for the Anglican Communion, which is grappling with significant divisions, particularly concerning the treatment of women and LGBTQ+ individuals. As she assumes her responsibilities, Mullally will need to address ongoing concerns regarding the church's handling of sexual abuse scandals that have plagued the institution for over a decade. This multifaceted challenge will require her to bring a new perspective to leadership within the church.
This is a developing story, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available regarding Sarah Mullally's historic appointment as Archbishop of Canterbury.
