In a historic move, the Church of England has appointed Dame Sarah Mullally as the 106th Archbishop of Canterbury making her the first woman to hold the role in its 1,400-year history. The announcement, made on 3 October 2025, marks a major step forward in the Church’s journey toward inclusivity.
Born on 26 March 1962, Mullally grew up in a Christian household and embraced her faith at 16. Before entering ministry, she had a distinguished career in nursing, eventually becoming Chief Nursing Officer for England, the highest nursing role in the NHS. Her leadership earned her the title of Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire.
Ordained in 2001, Mullally’s rise through the Church was swift and groundbreaking. She became Bishop of Crediton in 2015 and Bishop of London in 2018, the third most senior role in the Church of England.
Speaking at Canterbury Cathedral, Mullally acknowledged the historic nature of her appointment. “I offered myself into the discernment process with who I am,” she said. Emphasizing compassion and service, she added, “Washing feet has shaped my Christian vocation, as a nurse, then a priest, then a bishop.”
In her first address as Archbishop-designate, Mullally called for healing and unity amid global division and uncertainty. “The possibility of healing lies in acts of kindness and love,” she said, urging the Church to care more deeply for the sick and vulnerable.
Addressing the significance of being the first woman in the role, she said, “Some will be asking what it means for a woman to lead the Church of England… I intend to be a shepherd who enables everyone’s ministry to flourish, whatever our tradition.”
Mullally takes on the role at a time of major challenges for the Church, including safeguarding reforms, declining attendance, and growing social polarization. “I will not always get things right,” she admitted, “but I am encouraged by the promise that though you stumble, you shall not fall headlong, for the Lord holds you fast.”
She also condemned recent acts of antisemitism, saying, “Hatred and racism of any kind cannot be allowed to tear us apart.”
Mullally will be formally enthroned in March 2026 and says she steps into the role with trust in God and hope for the Church’s future.
