First female Archbishop of Canterbury: Sarah Mullally makes history

The first female Archbishop of Canterbury has been confirmed as Dame Sarah Mullally, a landmark moment for the Church of England and the wider Anglican Communion. The appointment follows the formal approval process and begins a new chapter after a lengthy vacancy.

Dame Sarah brings a rare mix of frontline leadership and parish experience. She served as England’s youngest Chief Nursing Officer before ordination, later becoming Bishop of London. Supporters describe her as calm under pressure and focused on practical care.

Her priorities will be demanding. She inherits a Church still rebuilding trust after safeguarding failures, divided views on same-sex blessings, and attendance patterns that have not returned to pre-pandemic levels. Colleagues say those challenges play to her strengths as a listener who is willing to act.

Speaking previously about her journey, she said she has “always had one vocation: to follow Jesus Christ,” whether serving patients, parishioners or the public. That thread now continues at Canterbury.

The role also places her at the centre of national debate. As a member of the Lords Spiritual, she will take part in scrutiny of legislation including the assisted dying proposals, an area where she has argued the risks to vulnerable people are too great.

For many churchgoers, her appointment signals continuity and change at once. The first female Archbishop of Canterbury will be seen as a steady hand with long experience of complex institutions. At the same time, her leadership as a former nurse turned bishop speaks to a Church trying to be both pastoral and reforming.

The formal nomination has been published by the government. You can read the notice here.

As Bishop of London she backed the decision to permit blessings for same-sex couples while recognising that many in the Church remain opposed. “I know that what we have proposed does not go far enough for some but too far for others,” she said after the vote. The first female Archbishop of Canterbury will now have to hold that tension across England and a global Communion of many traditions.

“I approach this new ministry with a sense of peace and trust,” she said on confirmation, adding that the task is to “serve Christ and this nation with compassion.”

For more features exploring London’s history and cultural heritage, follow EyeOnLondon for insightful storytelling you can trust.

Follow us on:

Subscribe to our YouTube channel for the latest videos and updates!

We value your thoughts! Share your feedback and help us make EyeOnLondon even better!