The Church of England announced on October 3, 2025, the appointment of Dame Sarah Mullally as the new Archbishop of Canterbury, marking the first time woman has been appointed head of the Church of England in the 1400-year history of the position.
Born in 1962, Sarah Mullally built a distinguished career in healthcare before entering the priesthood. She served as England’s Chief Nursing Officer, the most senior nurse in the country, and was ordained as a priest in 2006.
In 2018, she became the Bishop of London, once again breaking new ground as the first woman to hold that senior position.
Widely respected for her commitment to equality, compassion, and reconciliation, Mullally has been a consistent advocate for justice, human dignity, and the inclusion of women and marginalized communities. With her unique blend of professional public service and deep spiritual dedication, she is now set to play a historic role in shaping the future of the Anglican Church and its global communion.
“As I respond to the call of Christ to this new ministry, I do so in the same spirit of service to God and to others that has motivated me since I first came to faith as a teenager,” Mullally said of her new appointment, per the release.
“I know this is a huge responsibility, but I approach it with a sense of peace and trust in God to carry me as He always has,” she added.
Her election by the College of Canons is expected before Christmas, with legal confirmation at St Paul’s Cathedral on January 28, 2026. She will then be formally installed at Canterbury Cathedral in March, marking the beginning of her public ministry in the role.
