Dame Sarah Mullally is installed as the first female Archbishop of Canterbury breaking a 1 400 years of the church. She is the 106th Archbishop taking the influential position as the head of the Church of England and spiritual leader of the worldwide Anglican Communion, with a membership of over 85 million worldwide, a ceremony attended by over 2000 including the royal family members and prime minister.
“As I begin my ministry today as archbishop of Canterbury I say again to God: “Here I am.” as she gave her inaugural presentation.
Mullally embraces inclusivity and pastoral care saying, “I will seek to help every ministry flourish, whatever our tradition.” She acknowledged the previous failures of the Church saying, “Our eyes have been opened to the harm that we have done.” She went on to say, “We remain committed to truth, compassion, justice and action.”
She prayed for peace to prevail in war torn regions that include Ukraine. Iran, Sudan and Myanmar
Her appointment is met with mixed feelings with some expressing hope and faith in her leadership. “It is a huge moment for the Church” said Bishop Rachel Treweek. Negative criticism is coming from Africa on issues concerning same sex marriages and women’s ordination.
This event is record breaking given the background belief and view of the Church on women. Reverend David Monteith said the first female archbishop “would have b almost been unimaginable even 50 years ago.”
The greatest task that she faces is to confront the concerns that the church failed to stamp out sexual abuse scandals that have haunted the church for decades. She was nominated for the position in October and a ceremony of confirmation was done in January and on 25 March 2026, marked the symbolic start of the new role.
Mullally, a former chief nurse and Bishop of London brings with her unique experience of healthcare and religious leadership role. She was ordained as a priest in 2001 when she left the medical field to be full time in Church of England ministry. In 2015, she became Bishop of Credition as one of the first female bishops and later Bishop of London in 2018.
