Meet Sarah Mullally, The Church Of England’s First Female Archbishop

Dame Sarah Mullally has made history as the first woman appointed Archbishop of Canterbury, becoming the 106th leader of the Church of England nearly a year after Justin Welby resigned over the handling of a safeguarding scandal.

The 63-year-old, currently the Bishop of London, will formally assume the role at a ceremony in Canterbury Cathedral in January, followed by a full enthronement service expected to draw members of the royal family.

In her first remarks at Canterbury Cathedral, Mullally described the moment as both “complex and challenging,” but also deeply significant. “There would be much talk about this as a historic moment – a joyous one for many,” she said.

“I share in that joy, not for myself, but for a Church that listens to the calling of God and says: ‘Yes, we will follow you.’”

Who Is Sarah Mullally?

Before entering the clergy, Sarah Mullally built a distinguished career in healthcare.

She worked as a cancer nurse within the NHS and, at the age of 37, became the youngest person ever appointed Chief Nursing Officer for England. Her contributions to nursing earned her the title of Dame, recognising her outstanding service to the nation.

Mullally was ordained after leaving the health sector, rising through the ranks of the Church of England to become Bishop of London, the second-most senior role in the Church. Born in Woking, she is married to Eamonn Mullally and they have two grown children, Liam and Grace.

Mullally’s Commitment To Reform And National Issues

Mullally pledged to confront the safeguarding failures that overshadowed her predecessor’s tenure, acknowledging that “our history of safeguarding failures have left a legacy of deep harm and mistrust, and we must all be willing to have light shone on our actions, regardless of our role in the Church.”

She also addressed broader social and moral issues, from the recent “horrific violence” of an antisemitic attack in Manchester to debates over assisted dying, the refugee crisis, and deepening social inequalities. “We are witnessing hatred that rises up through fractures across our communities,” she warned, urging the Church to stand firmly against antisemitism, racism, and division.

Mullally’s appointment was confirmed after deliberations by the Crown Nominations Commission, approved by Prime Minister Keir Starmer and King Charles III. Starmer welcomed her as a leader who would play “a key role in our national life,” while Buckingham Palace praised the significance of her appointment for the Anglican Communion, which spans 85 million members worldwide.

For many, Mullally’s elevation marks a defining moment for the Church of England, highlighting how far women have advanced since being first permitted to become bishops in 2014 and consecrating the first female bishop in 2015.

While her appointment has been celebrated as progress, it has also drawn criticism from conservative factions within the global Anglican community.