Sarah Mullally becomes first female Archbishop of the Church of England

The Church of England on Friday, 3 October, named Dame Sarah Mullally as the next Archbishop of Canterbury, making her the first woman to serve as ceremonial head of Anglican Christianity worldwide.

The appointment has drawn criticism from conservative church leaders in Africa, who argue it undermines biblical authority and ecclesiastical order.

An orthodox group within the Anglican Communion, comprising 80 per cent of Anglicans globally, including the Church of Nigeria under the Global Fellowship of Confessing Anglicans (Gafcon), expressed strong displeasure over the decision.

For the first time, a woman will lead both the Church of England and the worldwide Anglican Communion. This move may deepen existing divisions within the church. Many conservative Christians maintain that only men should be consecrated as bishops.

In a statement, the Most Reverend Dr Laurent Mbanda, Archbishop of Rwanda and chairman of Gafcon’s leadership council, said the majority of the Anglican Communion still believes the Bible mandates a male-only episcopacy. Gafcon was formed in 2008 in response to theological differences, particularly over same-sex unions.

However, the Archbishop of Cape Town, Thabo Makgoba, who leads the Church of Southern Africa, described Mullally’s appointment as a thrilling development.

While welcomed by many religious leaders in Britain, Mbanda insisted Mullally would not unite the Communion. As Bishop of London since 2018, she has supported blessings for same-sex couples.

This remains a major point of contention in the global Anglican community, especially as homosexuality is outlawed in several African countries.

Speaking at Canterbury Cathedral on 3 October, Mullally said she would help every ministry flourish, “whatever our tradition.” She also reflected on the challenges of an age that craves certainty and tribalism, and a nation grappling with complex moral and political questions.

Mullally condemned the horrific violence of the previous day’s synagogue attack, saying it revealed hatred that rises up through fractures across our communities.

The Vatican, which does not ordain women as priests, welcomed Mullally’s appointment and noted that the Anglican Church faces considerable challenges.

She replaces Justin Welby, who resigned following criticism over his handling of a child abuse cover-up and his activist stance on social issues.

A former cancer nurse, Mullally served as England’s Chief Nursing Officer in the early 2000s. She was ordained as a priest in 2002 and became one of the first women consecrated as a bishop in 2015.

A married mother of two, she once said nursing and ministry share a common thread: “It’s all about people, and sitting with people during the most difficult times in their lives.”

Linda Woodhead, professor of theology and religious studies at King’s College London, said Mullally’s strong management skills were vital.

“Her emphasis on unity, gentleness and strength is exactly what the Church, and nation, needs right now,” she said.

Reflecting the Church’s status as England’s established faith, the appointment was announced by Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s office and formally assented to by King Charles.