Dame Sarah Mullally to Become First Woman to Lead the Church of England

In a historic moment for the Church of England, Dame Sarah Mullally has been announced as the new Archbishop of Canterbury-designate — the first woman ever to be chosen for this prestigious role. Her appointment marks a new chapter for the Church, bringing both hope and responsibility as she prepares to lead millions of Anglicans across the world.

Who is Dame Sarah Mullally?

Dame Sarah, aged 63, has had a remarkable career that bridges healthcare and faith. Before joining the Church, she spent over 35 years in the NHS, where she became the youngest-ever Chief Nursing Officer for England in 1999. She later felt a spiritual calling, becoming a priest in 2006 and later, in 2018, the first female Bishop of London — the third highest position in the Church of England.

Her Appointment and Process

The Church has been without an archbishop since Justin Welby resigned earlier this year following a safeguarding scandal. After months of deliberation, Dame Sarah’s name was submitted to Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and then formally approved by King Charles III, in keeping with tradition.

She will officially take office in January 2026, after the confirmation of her election and a formal enthronement ceremony at Canterbury Cathedral.

Historic Significance of Her Role

Dame Sarah’s appointment is a major milestone in the history of the Church of England. Women were only first allowed to become priests in 1994, and the first female bishops were appointed 20 years later in 2014.

Her leadership represents progress towards greater inclusion and equality within the Church. She acknowledged the significance of her role, saying that young women often see her as a symbol of what’s possible.

Reactions and Challenges Ahead

Prime Minister Keir Starmer congratulated her, expressing hope for “strong collaboration” in addressing national and social issues. King Charles III also extended his best wishes, calling the appointment “an important moment for the Anglican Communion.”

However, not everyone has welcomed the decision. A conservative group within the Church, the Global Fellowship of Confessing Anglicans, criticised the move, stating that “the majority of the Anglican Communion still believes the Bible requires a male-only episcopacy.”

Despite this, many Church leaders and believers view her appointment as a step toward a more compassionate and inclusive future.

Her Vision and Priorities

Dame Sarah’s key priorities include:

• Strengthening safeguarding systems within the Church.
• Rebuilding public trust after abuse scandals.
• Addressing declining attendance in congregations.
• Continuing her advocacy on ethical issues such as assisted dying, which she opposes.

She also supports inclusivity within the Church, having described the 2023 decision to allow priests to bless same-sex couples as “a moment of hope.”