Sarah Mullally named the first female Archbishop of Canterbury in history of Church of England

Source: AP

Updated 5:34 AM EDT, October 3, 2025


LONDON (AP) — Sarah Mullally, the bishop of London, was announced Friday as Archbishop of Canterbury, the first time a woman has been chosen as the spiritual leader of the Church of England.

Mullally, 63, a former chief nursing officer for England, will face serious challenges including divisions over the treatment of women and LGBTQ people. She will also have to confront concerns that church leaders haven’t done enough to stamp out the sexual abuse scandals that have dogged the church for more than a decade.

Naming a woman to the position is a major milestone for a church that ordained its first female priests in 1994 and its first female bishop in 2015. Mullally follows 105 men who have led Anglicans worldwide.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer welcomed the appointment of Mullally to the role and wished her success. “The Church of England is of profound importance to this country,” Starmer said. “Its churches, cathedrals, schools, and charities are part of the fabric of our communities. The Archbishop of Canterbury will play a key role in our national life.’

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