---

Sarah Mullally: A Historic First as Archbishop of Canterbury

On October 3, 2025, history was made in the Church of England as Dame Sarah Elisabeth Mullally, the Bishop of London, was announced as the 106th Archbishop of Canterbury — and the first woman ever to hold the position in its 1,400-year history. Her appointment is both a landmark for gender equality and a testament to a life marked by faith, service, and leadership.

A Life of Service Before the Pulpit

Born in Woking in 1962, Sarah Mullally first built her career in healthcare. Trained as a nurse, she rose to become Chief Nursing Officer for England, the youngest person to hold that office. For her contributions to nursing and midwifery, she was made a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire (DBE) in 2005. Her nursing background deeply shaped her pastoral outlook: compassion, presence, and care for the vulnerable remain hallmarks of her ministry.

Call to Ordained Ministry

Mullally was ordained in 2001 and became a priest in 2002. She served in parish ministry, later as Canon Treasurer of Salisbury Cathedral, before her consecration in 2015 as Bishop of Crediton. In 2018, she broke another barrier, becoming the first female Bishop of London, the Church of England’s third most senior post.

A Voice of Faith and Conviction

Her writings and public statements reveal a bishop deeply anchored in Scripture and service. She has written on themes of care, safeguarding, and the image of God in every person, stressing the Church’s responsibility to protect the vulnerable and uplift the marginalized. She is outspoken against assisted dying, calling instead for expanded palliative care and dignity at life’s end, and has urged the Church to address inequalities within its own structures, including gender representation and the lived experiences of ethnic minorities.

On matters of sexuality, Mullally has taken a pastoral stance, advocating for prayers and blessings for same-sex couples, while carefully balancing doctrinal traditions with compassion. She acknowledges the pain caused by division within the Church, urging unity around Christ’s mission even amid disagreement.

A Symbol of Change and Challenge

Her emergence as Archbishop of Canterbury symbolizes a Church at a crossroads — balancing tradition with renewal, doctrine with pastoral care, and local witness with global unity. Some Anglican groups have already voiced opposition, yet her appointment is seen by many as a courageous step forward.

In her ministry, Mullally has repeatedly said that leadership is not about status but about servanthood. Echoing Christ’s words in Mark 10:45 — “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve” — she steps into this new role with humility and resolve.

Looking Ahead

As Archbishop, Sarah Mullally faces profound challenges: healing divisions within the Church of England, rebuilding trust amid safeguarding crises, and reasserting the Church’s relevance in a rapidly changing society. Yet, her unique journey — from the wards of St Thomas’ Hospital to Lambeth Palace — offers a powerful reminder that Christian leadership is forged in both faith and service.

Her appointment is not only a personal milestone but also a spiritual moment for the Church: a call to renewal, inclusivity, and deeper witness in a troubled world.

---