Church Of England Names First Female Archbishop Of Canterbury

History has been made in the Church of England with the appointment of Dame Sarah Mullally as the Archbishop of Canterbury designate, the first woman ever to be chosen for the position.

Her selection marks a turning point for the Anglican Communion, breaking centuries of male-only leadership at its highest office.

The announcement follows the resignation of former Archbishop Justin Welby nearly a year ago after a safeguarding scandal shook the Church.

At 63, Dame Sarah brings a blend of medical and ecclesiastical leadership to the role.

Before entering ordained ministry in 2006, she rose to prominence as the youngest-ever Chief Nursing Officer for England, overseeing the NHS at a time of significant reform.

In 2018, she achieved another milestone when she became the first female Bishop of London, the Church’s third-most senior position.

Speaking from Canterbury Cathedral, Dame Sarah struck a tone of unity and resolve in her first public remarks.

Addressing Thursday’s deadly attack on a Manchester synagogue, she denounced it as an act of “horrific violence,” urging communities to stand firm against hatred.

“Hatred and racism of any kind cannot be allowed to tear us apart,” she declared.

She also pledged to confront the Church’s failures head-on, promising greater transparency on safeguarding cases. “We must all be willing to have light shone on our actions, regardless of our role in the Church,” she said, vowing to rebuild public trust in the institution.

Her appointment, however, has not been without controversy.

The conservative Global Fellowship of Confessing Anglicans has openly criticized the decision, insisting on a male-only episcopacy.

Yet supporters believe Dame Sarah’s track record demonstrates she is uniquely equipped to lead a Church navigating divisions over same-sex marriage, assisted dying, and broader questions of inclusion.

Known for her blend of empathy and administrative rigor, Dame Sarah was credited in London with modernising the diocese and building bridges across diverse communities.

She has consistently spoken about reform with clarity, stressing the need for compassion and courage in leadership.

Beyond theology, her appointment has cultural significance. For many women and girls, she represents new possibilities within institutions long dominated by men.

“When I go to schools, particularly the young women sit up and listen. They don’t necessarily want to be the Archbishop of Canterbury, but it shows them they can dream bigger,” she reflected.

Dame Sarah will formally assume office in January following the confirmation of election and royal homage. Until then, her appointment has already been hailed as a milestone for gender equality in the Church and a symbol of hope for a new era of faith leadership.