Dame Sarah Mullally has made history by becoming the first female Archbishop of Canterbury in the Church of England. Previously serving as the chief nursing officer for England, Dame Sarah is now Archbishop of Canterbury-designate, expected to be officially confirmed in a legal ceremony in the upcoming months. She is set to become the 106th Archbishop of Canterbury, a position left vacant for nearly a year following Justin Welby’s resignation due to mishandling of an abuse scandal.
During the interim period, Archbishop of York Stephen Cottrell assumed most responsibilities and was part of the decision-making body that selected Dame Sarah as Mr. Welby’s successor. The appointment was approved by the Crown Nominations Commission (CNC) with a two-thirds majority vote, chaired by Lord Evans of Weardale, a former director-general of the MI5 security service.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer welcomed Dame Sarah’s appointment, emphasizing the significance of the Church of England in the country’s fabric. The Archbishop of Canterbury holds a crucial role in national life, overseeing churches, cathedrals, schools, and charities. Dame Sarah’s official installation as Archbishop of Canterbury will take place in January at Canterbury Cathedral, followed by a formal enthronement ceremony where members of the royal family are expected to attend.
With over 11,000 participants contributing to a public consultation earlier this year for the next archbishop, the process aimed to gather input on desired qualities for the Church’s leadership. The chosen candidate was expected to possess integrity, honesty, and compassion for the marginalized, as outlined in the job description by the Diocese of Canterbury.
Dame Sarah, known for her vocal stance against the assisted dying Bill, is set to bring her perspective to the role. Her appointment marks a new chapter for the Church of England, following Mr. Welby’s resignation amidst scrutiny over his handling of abuse cases. His departure highlighted the importance of accountability and transparency within the Church’s leadership.