First female Archbishop to lead Church of England appointed

Sarah Mullally during a visit to All Saints Church in Canterbury, Kent. Photo: PA

On October 3, 2025, Bishop of London Sarah Mullally was appointed as the Archbishop of Canterbury. For the first time in the history of the Anglican Church, this position was taken by a woman. This was reported by Sky News.

Sarah Mullally, 63-year-old archbishop-designate is married with has two children. Originally from Woking in Surrey, she was the UK's Chief Nursing Officer from 1999 to 2004. In 2005 she was awarded the title of Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire for her contribution to healthcare. In 2015, she became the Bishop of Crediton, and in 2018, the 133rd Bishop of London.

The appointment came almost a year after the resignation of Justin Welby, the Archbishop of Canterbury, who left the post amid a sexual abuse scandal in the Church of England.

Speaking at Canterbury Cathedral, Sarah Mullally stated: "Today as I respond to the call of Christ in this new ministry, I remain rooted in my first calling, to follow Christ, to know him and to make him known in the world. "In the apparent chaos which surrounds us, in the midst of such profound global uncertainty, the possibility of healing lies in acts of kindness and love."

Mullally's appointment holds special significance for the entire Anglican Church. She is known as a proponent of inclusivity, having supported the blessing of same-sex unions. On the issue of abortions, Mullally advocates for a woman's right to decide whether to have an abortion, while emphasizing the need to consider moral aspects when discussing laws.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer congratulated the new archbishop and noted that the Church of England plays a huge role in the life of the country. "The Archbishop of Canterbury will play a key role in our national life. I wish her every success and look forward to working together.," he said.

Thus, for the first time in the history of Anglicanism, the Canterbury See is headed by a woman, and this step, according to observers, will be a turning point in discussions about the role of women and liberal reforms in the Church of England.

Previously, the UOJ reported that the British Armed Forces began to recruit "chaplains" for atheists.

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