Church of England Shakes History: First Woman Appointed Archbishop of Canterbury
The Church of England has appointed Dame Sarah Mullally as Archbishop of Canterbury, the first woman to hold the Church’s top post since its founding in the 6th century.
The announcement was made Friday at Canterbury Cathedral, where Mullally, 63, addressed congregants for the first time.
She replaces Justin Welby, who resigned last year following criticism over his handling of a child abuse cover-up.
Mullally takes charge of the global Anglican Communion, spanning 165 countries and more than 85 million members.
Her appointment comes amid deep divisions over gender roles, same-s€x relationships, and biblical authority.
Turning to national events, Mullally condemned Thursday’s deadly synagogue attack in Manchester, which killed two people.
She urged the Church to respond with compassion and unity.
“We are witnessing hatred rising through fractures in our communities,” she said.
She emphasized the Church’s responsibility to stand with those affected.
“God draws near to those who suffer. As a Church, we must be a people who stand with the Jewish community against antisemitism in all its forms. Hatred and racism of any kind cannot be allowed to tear us apart.”
A former chief nursing officer for England, Mullally has served as Bishop of London since 2018 and is known for her progressive views, including support for blessings of same-sex couples.
Her appointment has sparked backlash from conservative Anglican leaders, particularly in Africa, who argue that her stance on gender and s€xu@lity contradicts biblical teachings.
Reverend Laurent Mbanda, chair of the Global Anglican Future Conference — representing bishops from Nigeria, Rwanda, and Uganda — opposed the decision.
He said, “Though there are some who will welcome the decision to appoint Bishop Mullally as the first female Archbishop of Canterbury, the majority of the Anglican Communion still believes that the Bible requires a male-only episcopacy.”
The group accused Mullally of promoting “unbiblical and revisionist teachings regarding marriage and s€xu@l morality.”
The Church of England’s evangelical wing also expressed concern, warning against what it described as a drift away from scripture.
Despite the criticism, Mullally received congratulations from King Charles III and the Vatican, both of whom praised her leadership and offered their support.
According to Reuters, Mullally’s formal election is scheduled for January 2026, with her installation to follow in March.
She acknowledged the weight of her new role but expressed confidence in her calling.
“I will not always get things right. But I’m encouraged by the psalmist: ‘Though you stumble, you shall not fall headlong, for the Lord holds you fast by your hand.’ I trust those words — for me, for you, for the Church, for the nation,” she said.
