In a momentous step for the Church of England, Dame Sarah Mullally has been named as the next Archbishop of Canterbury, making her the first woman to ever hold the position in the Church’s more than 1,400-year history.
The announcement marks a historic turning point for one of the world’s oldest Christian institutions. A former NHS nurse, Sarah (63), is currently the Bishop of London, became a priest in 2006 and was the first woman to be Bishop of London in 2018. The Bishop of London is the third most senior position in the Church of England.
Furthermore, the married mother of two was also made a dame in 2005 for her services as chief nursing officer.
While the role of Archbishop of Canterbury is formally appointed by the monarch, the decision is the result of a carefully structured Church selection process. A Crown Nominations Commission proposes candidates, and the Prime Minister then recommends one to the monarch.
She will take on the role in early 2026.
Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Sir Keir Starmer, has praised Dame Sarah’s appointment, saying: “I wish her every success and look forward to working together.”
King Charles III has congratulated Dame Sarah on her new role, “which is of such importance in the UK and across the global Anglican Communion”, Buckingham Palace said.
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