History Made: Sarah Mullally Becomes the First Female Archbishop of Canterbury

LONDON — Sarah Mullally has made history as the first woman appointed as the Archbishop of Canterbury, a significant role for the world’s 85 million Anglicans. The Church of England and the U.K. government officially announced her appointment on Friday. Mullally, 63, was elected by the College of Canons at Canterbury Cathedral and received approval from King Charles III.

Before this role, Mullally served as the Bishop of London. She is notable for being the fourth woman ever ordained as a bishop in the Church’s history. Her background as a former nurse adds to her unique perspective in leadership. In 1999, she became the youngest chief nursing officer for England, illustrating her long-standing commitment to public service.

Mullally’s appointment comes at a crucial time for the Anglican Communion, which is dealing with various challenges, including treatment of women and LGBTQ individuals, as well as long-standing issues surrounding sexual abuse within the Church. A recent survey indicated that public trust in religious institutions has declined, particularly regarding their handling of abuse cases. In her new role, Mullally’s experience and perspective as a woman may help address these pressing concerns.

In her 2018 sermon as Bishop of London, Mullally alluded to the suffragette movement, saying, “I am necessarily subversive — and it’s a necessity I intend to embrace.” This quote reflects her awareness of the historical context of her leadership and the ongoing challenges women face in religious settings.

Sean Rowe, the Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church in the U.S., expressed support for Mullally, recognizing her as a “wise and steady leader” and a strong advocate for women in the church. Such endorsements from fellow church leaders highlight the importance of her role in these transformative times.

As Mullally steps into this significant position, her commitment to safeguarding vulnerable people and addressing recent controversies will undoubtedly be monitored closely. Her leadership is not just a personal achievement but a pivotal moment for the Church and its future direction.

This is an evolving story, and more updates are expected as Mullally begins her work as the Archbishop of Canterbury.

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