UK Names Sarah Mullally as First Female Archbishop
Oct 04, 2025
UK Names Sarah Mullally as First Female Archbishop of Canterbury
October 4, 2025
The United Kingdom has appointed Sarah Mullally as the new Archbishop of Canterbury, making her the first woman to lead the Church of England in its centuries-long history.
The historic appointment represents a groundbreaking moment for the Anglican Communion, which has gradually opened senior leadership positions to women over recent decades. As Archbishop of Canterbury, Mullally will become the spiritual leader of approximately 85 million Anglicans worldwide.
The announcement marks a significant milestone for gender equality in religious leadership. The Archbishop of Canterbury serves as the principal leader of the Church of England and the symbolic head of the worldwide Anglican Communion, making it one of the most influential religious positions globally.
Mullally brings extensive experience in church leadership to the role. The appointment comes as the Church of England continues to navigate ongoing debates around gender equality, theological tradition, and modern social issues.
The Archbishop of Canterbury traditionally plays a crucial role not only in spiritual leadership but also in British public life, holding a seat in the House of Lords and serving as a moral voice on national and international issues.
While the Church of England has ordained women as priests since 1994 and as bishops since 2014, this represents the first time a woman will hold the most senior position in the church hierarchy. The appointment is expected to generate diverse reactions within the global Anglican community, where views on women in senior church leadership vary significantly across different provinces and theological traditions.
Mullally's appointment signals the Church of England's continued commitment to gender equality in religious leadership, though it is likely to intensify ongoing theological discussions within the broader Anglican Communion about the role of women in church governance.
The selection process for the Archbishop of Canterbury typically involves the Crown Nominations Commission, which makes recommendations to the Prime Minister, who then advises the monarch on the appointment.
