Who is Sarah Mullally? Meet the first woman Archbishop of Canterbury

Dame Sarah Mullally has been named the new Archbishop of Canterbury, becoming the first woman ever to hold the most senior position in the Church of England. The announcement ends months of speculation following Justin Welby’s resignation earlier this year.

Mullally, 63, was previously the Bishop of London, a role she has held since 2018. She brings decades of leadership experience, first as England’s youngest-ever Chief Nursing Officer in the NHS, and later as a senior figure in the Church.

Her appointment has been described as “history in the making” by clergy across the country, while King Charles III and Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer praised her leadership and vision.

From nursing to the pulpit: A unique journey

Before entering ministry, Mullally spent more than 35 years in healthcare. In 1999, she became Chief Nursing Officer for England, overseeing reforms across the NHS. Her career path changed when she pursued ordination in 2006, combining her healthcare background with her growing role in the Church.

Her blend of administrative expertise and pastoral care later shaped her work as Bishop of Crediton, then Bishop of London, where she was credited with modernising church administration and building stronger community engagement.

Historic first for women in the Church

Mullally’s appointment is significant in the history of the Church of England. Women were only first ordained priests in 1994, and the first female bishops were consecrated in 2014.

As the new Archbishop of Canterbury, Mullally now leads not only the Church of England but also serves as the spiritual head of the worldwide Anglican Communion, a role traditionally dominated by men.

Priorities: safeguarding, unity, and inclusivity

Mullally takes office at a challenging time for the Church. Her predecessor, Justin Welby, resigned following criticism over safeguarding failures linked to historic abuse cases.

Addressing the issue in her first public statement, she said the Church must “shine light on our actions, regardless of our role” and pledged to rebuild trust.

She also condemned the recent attack on a Manchester synagogue, stressing that “hatred and racism cannot be allowed to tear us apart.”

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Catholic and Anglican unity

Cardinal Vincent Nichols, President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales, welcomed Mullally’s appointment, saying she would bring “many personal gifts and experience” to her new role. He also emphasised hopes for closer collaboration between the Catholic and Anglican communities.

Where she stands on key issues

• Safeguarding: Committed to stronger reforms and compassionate support for survivors.
• Declining church attendance: Advocates community-driven approaches to engagement.
• Same-sex blessings: Supported the 2023 decision allowing priests to bless same-sex couples, calling it “a moment of hope for the Church.”
• Assisted dying: A strong opponent, describing it as “unworkable and unsafe.”

A role with global significance

As Archbishop of Canterbury, Mullally will balance spiritual leadership with public engagement. Former Archbishop Rowan Williams described the role as “having a newspaper in one hand and a Bible in the other.”

Her enthronement will take place after a formal confirmation in January 2026, where she will officially succeed Justin Welby.

Why her appointment matters

Mullally’s leadership marks a new chapter for the Church of England, one that brings together tradition, reform, and inclusivity. For many, her historic appointment as the first woman Archbishop of Canterbury is a sign of progress, while also a reminder of the complex challenges facing faith communities today.

FAQ (SEO-optimized)

Who is Sarah Mullally?

Sarah Mullally is the new Archbishop of Canterbury and the first woman to hold the role. She was previously the Bishop of London and a former NHS Chief Nursing Officer.

When was Sarah Mullally appointed Archbishop of Canterbury?

She was announced as Archbishop-designate on October 3, 2025. Her enthronement will take place after her confirmation in January 2026.

What did Sarah Mullally do before becoming a priest?

Before her ordination in 2006, she worked in healthcare for over 35 years and became the youngest-ever Chief Nursing Officer for England in 1999.

Why is Sarah Mullally’s appointment historic?

She is the first woman to ever lead the Church of England as Archbishop of Canterbury, a position historically held only by men.

What are Sarah Mullally’s priorities as Archbishop?

Her main priorities include safeguarding reforms, uniting the Church after divisions, engaging communities, and tackling social justice issues.

What is Sarah Mullally’s stance on same-sex marriage?

She supported the 2023 decision allowing priests to bless same-sex couples, describing it as a hopeful step for the Church.

What is Sarah Mullally’s position on assisted dying?

She strongly opposes assisted dying, calling it unsafe and a risk to vulnerable people.

Will Sarah Mullally lead the global Anglican Communion?

Yes. As Archbishop of Canterbury, she becomes the spiritual head of the Anglican Communion, which includes churches in more than 165 countries.

What has been the Catholic Church’s reaction to Sarah Mullally’s appointment?

Cardinal Vincent Nichols welcomed her appointment and expressed hope for stronger ties between the Catholic Church and the Church of England.