Breaking Historical Barriers
On this Friday, Sarah Mullally was appointed as the new Archbishop of Canterbury, making her the first woman to lead the Church of England in its 1,400-year history.
At 63 years old, Mullally now becomes the ceremonial head of approximately 85 million Anglicans worldwide, spread across conservative Christian communities in Africa where homosexuality is often prohibited, and more liberal Western counterparts.
Immediate Criticism from Conservative Anglican Group
The Global Anglican Future Conference (GAFCON), a conservative Anglican group from Africa and Asia, swiftly criticized Mullally’s appointment. They claimed it demonstrated that the English branch of the Church had “renounced its authority to lead.”
Support for Liberal Causes
As the Bishop of London since 2018, Mullally has previously advocated for several liberal causes within the Church. These include allowing the blessing of same-sex couples in civil partnerships and marriages.
Reforms implemented over a decade ago paved the way for a woman to hold this position. By becoming the 106th Archbishop of Canterbury, Mullally becomes one of the last public leadership roles in Britain that has been led solely by men.
Mullally’s Background and Advocacy
Mullally, who was once a palliative care nurse and Head of Nursing for England in the early 2000s, has championed creating an open and transparent culture within churches that allows for diversity and disagreement.
“There are many parallels between nursing and priesthood; it’s all about people and being with them during the most challenging moments of their lives,” she once said in an interview.
Ordained as a priest in 2002, Mullally became one of the early women consecrated as a bishop in the Church of England in 2015.
She is a member of the House of Lords, the upper house of the British Parliament, and has spoken on issues such as the cost of living crisis, healthcare, and social justice.
Mullally will commence her service at Canterbury Cathedral in March 2026, according to the government.
The Role of the Monarch
As the Supreme Governor, King Charles assumes a ceremonial role in the Church of England, a position established in the 16th century when King Henry VIII broke away from the Catholic Church.
The Church of England has been without a leader since last November when Justin Welby resigned due to a scandal involving the cover-up of child abuse.
Personal Life
Mullally is married to Eamonn and has two adult children.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who is Sarah Mullally? Sarah Mullally is a former palliative care nurse and Head of Nursing for England, ordained as a priest in 2002. She has been a significant figure in the Church of England, advocating for liberal causes and championing openness within churches.
- Why is her appointment significant? Mullally’s appointment marks the first time a woman leads the Church of England, breaking a 1,400-year historical barrier.
- What reactions has her appointment received? While many have welcomed the change, conservative Anglican groups like GAFCON have criticized the decision, claiming it shows the Church has “renounced its authority to lead.”
- What are some of the causes Mullally supports? Mullally has advocated for allowing same-sex couples to be blessed in civil partnerships and marriages within the Church.
- What is the role of the Monarch in the Church of England? The Monarch, currently King Charles, serves as the Supreme Governor of the Church of England in a largely ceremonial capacity.
