Sarah Mullally named first woman Archbishop of Canterbury

Published: Friday, October 3, 2025 at 9:48 am

Sarah Mullally Makes History as First Woman Archbishop of Canterbury

LONDON - The Church of England and the U.K. government announced Friday the historic appointment of Sarah Mullally as the new Archbishop of Canterbury. This marks a watershed moment for the Anglican Communion, as Mullally becomes the first woman to lead the global body of 85 million Anglicans.

Mullally, 63, was elected by the College of Canons of Canterbury Cathedral and approved by King Charles III. Prior to this appointment, she served as the Bishop of London. Her background includes a career as a nurse, and she previously held the position of chief nursing officer for England, becoming the youngest person to hold that role in 1999. She is also a member of the House of Lords, the upper house of the U.K. parliament.

Mullally's appointment comes at a time of significant challenges for the Anglican Communion. The church is grappling with internal divisions regarding the treatment of women and LGBTQ individuals. Furthermore, she will be tasked with addressing ongoing concerns about the church's handling of sexual abuse scandals that have plagued the institution for years.

In a 2018 sermon as Bishop of London, Mullally acknowledged the "subversive" nature of her role as a woman in leadership, drawing parallels to the suffragettes' fight for equality. She replaces Justin Welby, who announced his resignation in November.

BNN's Perspective: This appointment is a significant step forward for the Church of England, reflecting a broader trend of increasing inclusivity within religious institutions. While challenges remain, Mullally's leadership offers a fresh perspective and the potential to bridge divides within the Anglican Communion. Her background in healthcare and her experience in the House of Lords provide her with a unique set of skills to navigate the complex issues facing the church.

Keywords: Sarah Mullally, Archbishop of Canterbury, Church of England, Anglican Communion, first woman, Bishop of London, Justin Welby, King Charles III, House of Lords, LGBTQ, sexual abuse, religious leadership

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