Dame Sarah Mullally Named First Woman to Lead Church of England as Archbishop of Canterbury
In a historic move, Dame Sarah Mullally has been appointed the new Archbishop of Canterbury designate, becoming the first woman to hold the most senior clerical role in the Church of England. The 63-year-old, a former NHS chief nurse who transitioned into ministry in 2006, has steadily risen through the Church ranks. In 2018, she became the first female Bishop of London, the third most senior position in the Church.
Her appointment marks a groundbreaking moment in nearly 500 years of Anglican history, as the Church has never before nominated a woman to lead it. Mullally’s elevation comes during a period of transition and turbulence, as the Church seeks to recover from abuse scandals, declining attendance, and debates over modern social issues.
A Voice Against Division and Violence
In her first public statement as Archbishop designate, Dame Sarah strongly condemned the deadly attack on a synagogue in Manchester that left two men dead and several others injured.
“We are witnessing hatred that rises up through fractures across our communities,” she said. “As a Church, we have a responsibility to stand with the Jewish community against antisemitism in all its forms. Hatred and racism of any kind cannot be allowed to tear us apart.”
She described the violence as “horrific” and urged unity across faiths and communities, reflecting her longstanding commitment to compassion, inclusivity, and social healing.
Filling the Church’s Leadership Void
The appointment comes almost a year after the resignation of Archbishop Justin Welby, who stepped down following a damning safeguarding scandal. A report had found that Welby “could and should” have reported prolific abuser John Smyth to police as early as 2013. His departure left the Church’s top office vacant during a crucial time for its credibility and moral leadership.
Archbishop of York Stephen Cottrell temporarily assumed many of Welby’s duties and was among the voting members of the Crown Nominations Commission that selected Dame Sarah. Cottrell himself has faced criticism over his handling of abuse cases, underscoring the urgency for new leadership.
The Process and Reactions
Following Church tradition, Dame Sarah’s name was submitted to Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer before being formally presented to King Charles III, the Supreme Governor of the Church of England. Starmer praised the appointment, saying: “The Archbishop of Canterbury plays a key role in our national life. I wish Dame Sarah every success and look forward to working together.”
King Charles also congratulated her, emphasizing the importance of her role not only in the UK but across the global Anglican Communion.
However, her appointment has not been universally celebrated. The Global Fellowship of Confessing Anglicans, a conservative group, criticized the decision, stating that “the majority of the Anglican Communion still believes that the Bible requires a male-only episcopacy.” The debate highlights ongoing tensions within global Anglicanism over gender roles, sexuality, and doctrine.
A Journey of Service: From Nursing to the Church
Before entering ministry, Dame Sarah spent over 35 years in the NHS, rising to become the youngest chief nursing officer for England in 1999. Her leadership in healthcare gave her a strong administrative background, which she later brought to the Church.
After being ordained in 2006, she served as canon treasurer at Salisbury Cathedral in 2012 and later became Bishop of Crediton in 2015. By 2018, she was appointed Bishop of London, a position in which she played a pivotal role in modernizing the diocese and handling difficult debates on abuse, same-sex marriage, and end-of-life issues.
Reflecting on her dual careers, she once said:
“I am often asked what it has been like to have had two careers, first in the NHS and now in the Church. I prefer to think that I have always had one vocation: to follow Jesus Christ, to know him and to make him known, always seeking to live with compassion in the service of others, whether as a nurse, a priest, or a bishop.”
Challenges Facing Her Leadership
Dame Sarah inherits a Church grappling with several pressing challenges. Chief among them is restoring trust following decades of abuse scandals and ensuring greater compassion for survivors. She has already been involved in reforming safeguarding policies, but observers say the issue remains the most urgent item in her in-tray.
Another challenge is declining church attendance. While London has bucked some of this trend, national participation continues to fall. Dame Sarah has been outspoken about the need for the Church to remain relevant in a fast-changing society while staying rooted in faith and tradition.
On social issues, she has positioned herself as both compassionate and cautious. She has been a vocal opponent of assisted dying, arguing it is “unworkable, unsafe, and poses a risk to the most vulnerable people in our society.”
At the same time, she helped steer the Church toward its 2023 decision to allow priests to bless same-sex couples, calling it “a moment of hope for the Church.” Her leadership will be closely watched as the institution continues to navigate debates over sexuality, marriage, and inclusivity.
Faith and Forward Vision
Speaking at Canterbury Cathedral following her appointment, Dame Sarah described her approach to leadership with humility and conviction:
“I know this is a huge responsibility, but I approach it with a sense of peace and trust in God to carry me as He always has. In an age that craves certainty and tribalism, Anglicanism offers something quieter but stronger.”
She added that her priority would be to guide the Church in a way that builds bridges rather than deepens divisions.
Former Archbishop Rowan Williams once summarized the role as requiring “a newspaper in one hand and a Bible in the other.” For Dame Sarah, that description may prove particularly fitting as she balances global Anglican unity, national debates, and the day-to-day pastoral needs of a faith community searching for renewal.
A Milestone for Women in the Church
Her appointment represents the culmination of a long struggle for gender equality within the Church of England. Women were first ordained as priests in 1994, and it was not until 2014 that they could become bishops. Now, less than a decade later, the highest clerical office in the Church has been entrusted to a woman.
Dame Sarah’s groundbreaking appointment is likely to inspire women both inside and outside the Church. It symbolizes progress toward inclusivity while underscoring the Church’s ongoing transformation.
Conclusion
Dame Sarah Mullally’s appointment as Archbishop of Canterbury is a historic milestone and a powerful signal of change. From her trailblazing career in the NHS to her leadership within the Church, she brings both professional rigor and deep compassion to the role.
As she steps into one of the most influential religious positions in the world, she faces immense challenges—from safeguarding reforms to divisive cultural debates. Yet her message of peace, inclusivity, and faith-driven resilience offers hope for a Church seeking to reconcile its traditions with the demands of modern society.
In the words of Dame Sarah herself: “Hatred and racism cannot tear us apart. Our calling is to live with compassion, to stand together, and to build a future of hope.”