LONDON, United Kingdom — 26 March 2026 — In a landmark moment for the Church of England and the wider Anglican Communion, the Rt Rev Sarah Mullally was formally enthroned today as the Archbishop of Canterbury, becoming the first woman in history to hold the church’s highest clerical office.
Mullally, 64, assumed the role during a ceremony at Canterbury Cathedral attended by clergy, civic leaders, and representatives from Anglican provinces around the world. The service blended centuries‑old ritual with contemporary reflections on inclusion, leadership, and the evolving identity of the church.
Speaking during the ceremony, Mullally said her appointment “reflects the ongoing journey of a church seeking to serve a changing world while remaining rooted in its faith and tradition.” She emphasised priorities including social justice, safeguarding, and strengthening ties across the global Anglican Communion.
Mullally, a former Chief Nursing Officer for England before entering ordained ministry, has long been regarded as a bridge‑builder within the church. Her previous role as Bishop of London made her the most senior woman in the Church of England, and she has been widely recognised for her administrative experience and pastoral approach.
Church leaders and public figures offered measured praise for the historic appointment. The Archbishop of York, Stephen Cottrell, said Mullally’s leadership “comes at a time when the church faces both significant challenges and profound opportunities,” noting her “deep commitment to listening and reconciliation.”
Reactions from Anglican communities abroad were similarly attentive. Representatives from provinces in Africa and Asia, where debates over doctrine and governance have been particularly sensitive in recent years, acknowledged the symbolic weight of the moment while reiterating the need for continued dialogue across cultural and theological differences.
Mullally succeeds Justin Welby, who stepped down earlier this year after more than a decade in the role. As Archbishop of Canterbury, she will serve as the spiritual leader of the Church of England and the symbolic head of the global Anglican Communion, representing more than 85 million members worldwide.
Outside the cathedral, small groups of supporters gathered to mark the occasion, describing the enthronement as a milestone for gender equality within religious institutions. Others expressed hope that Mullally’s background in public service would help the church navigate issues ranging from declining attendance to its role in public life.
In her closing remarks, Mullally called for “a renewed commitment to compassion, courage, and humility,” adding that the church’s mission “must be shaped not by fear of the future, but by faith in the possibility of transformation.”
Her tenure begins immediately, with her first official engagements expected in the coming weeks.
