Sarah Mullally has been confirmed as the Archbishop of Canterbury, making her the first woman to hold the position in the Church of England’s long history.
Gatekeepers News reports that the historic Confirmation of Election ceremony took place at St Paul’s Cathedral in London, where judges legally affirmed her appointment and she assumed the role on Wednesday.
Mullally, 63, who became known for her work as a cancer nurse before entering church ministry, expressed her deep sense of honour at being chosen to lead the church at such a crucial time.
“With God’s help, I will seek to guide Christ’s flock with calmness, consistency, and compassion,” she said, highlighting her commitment to unity and healing in “times of division and uncertainty.”
The service included traditional elements and music, with readings in different languages reflecting the diversity of the worldwide Anglican Communion, which stretches across more than 165 countries and includes around 85 million members.
Mullally’s confirmation comes after she was named as the next Archbishop in October 2025, succeeding Justin Welby. Her appointment marks a major milestone for the church, which only began ordaining female priests in 1994 and its first female bishops in 2015.
Her formal installation as Archbishop at Canterbury Cathedral is scheduled for March 25, when she will begin her full public ministry.
Some conservative groups within the Anglican community have criticised her selection, partly because of differing views on doctrinal matters and the role of women in leadership, but supporters say her leadership could help the church address deep divisions and modern challenges.
