Additional Coverage:
Historic Appointment: Dame Sarah Mullally Becomes First Woman Archbishop of Canterbury Designate
In a landmark decision, Dame Sarah Mullally has been named the new Archbishop of Canterbury designate, marking a pivotal moment as she becomes the first woman to hold the esteemed position. The announcement, made on October 3, ushers in a new era for the Church of England and the worldwide Anglican faith.
Mullally, 63, brings a diverse background to the role. A former chief nurse, she was ordained as a priest in 2006. Her trailblazing path continued in 2018 when she was appointed the first female Bishop of London, making her the third-most senior clergy member in the Church of England.
In her initial public statement on Friday from Canterbury Cathedral, Mullally condemned the “horrific violence” of Thursday’s synagogue attack in Manchester, asserting that “hatred and racism cannot tear us apart.” She also pledged to confront past failures within the church, which she acknowledged had “left a legacy of deep harm and mistrust.” She emphasized the need for transparency, stating, “We must all be willing to have light shone on our actions, regardless of our role in the Church.”
The Church of England confirmed her nomination by the Crown Nominations Commission (CNC) for Canterbury, following a rigorous process of public consultation and prayerful discernment that commenced in February. Formal steps for her ascension include an election by the College of Canons of Canterbury Cathedral before Christmas, a confirmation on January 28, and an enthronement ceremony in March.
Mullally steps into a role vacated by Archbishop Justin Welby, who resigned in January, two months after announcing his departure amidst scrutiny over his handling of a sex abuse scandal. The scandal involved the late John Smyth, a Christian camp organizer accused of abusing boys in the 1970s and ’80s. A report indicated that Smyth, who died in 2018, might have faced charges if Welby had reported the allegations when he learned of them in 2013.
The process for selecting an Archbishop involves a name being passed to Prime Minister Keir Starmer, then to King Charles III. While the King serves as the head of the Church of England, the Archbishop of Canterbury is recognized as the most senior bishop and the spiritual leader of both the Church of England and the global Anglican Communion.
Prime Minister Starmer welcomed Mullally’s appointment, expressing his best wishes and looking forward to future collaboration. However, the appointment also drew criticism from some conservative factions, including the Global Fellowship of Confessing Anglicans, which stated that while they welcome her, “The majority of the Anglican Communion still believes that the Bible requires a male-only episcopacy.”
The Church of England began ordaining women as priests in 1994, with the first female bishops appointed two decades later in 2014.
Bishop Anthony Poggo, secretary general of the Anglican Communion, offered his support, stating, “May God grant her wisdom and discernment, as she seeks to listen to member churches, encourage mutual support, and foster unity. The Anglican Communion Office is fully committed to supporting her ministry.” Mullally herself noted that “in an age that craves certainty and tribalism, Anglicanism offers something quieter but stronger.”