History was made on Friday as Sarah Mullally was appointed the new Archbishop of Canterbury, becoming the first woman to lead the Church of England and the global Anglican community. Her nomination, approved by King Charles III, follows the resignation of Justin Welby earlier this year over a historic abuse scandal.
Mullally, 63, is the church’s 106th archbishop since the late sixth century. A former nurse, she became the first female Bishop of London in 2018. In a statement, she admitted the role carries a “huge responsibility” but said she feels a sense of “peace and trust in God” to guide her.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer praised her appointment, saying the Church of England remains central to national life through its schools, charities, and places of worship. He expressed confidence that Mullally would play a vital role in shaping the country’s future.
Welby’s departure came after an independent probe revealed the church covered up abuse by lawyer John Smyth, who harmed as many as 130 boys and young men in the 1970s and 1980s. The scandal, which Smyth never faced trial for before his death in 2018, shook public trust and renewed calls for reform.
The Church of England counts around 20 million baptised members, though fewer than one million attend regularly. With Mullally at the helm, and more than 40 of England’s bishops now women, her appointment is seen as a milestone in the church’s ongoing journey toward inclusion and change.