Sarah Mullally Becomes First Female Archbishop of Canterbury
Sarah Mullally made history on March 25, 2026, as she was enthroned as the 106th Archbishop of Canterbury at a ceremony in Canterbury Cathedral, Southeast England.1 This marks the first time a woman has held the position, leading the Church of England and serving as the ceremonial head of the Anglican Communion.
A Former Nurse and Bishop
The 63-year-old Archbishop Mullally brings a unique background to the role, having previously served as Chief Nursing Officer for England from 1999 to 2004.1 She was ordained a priest in 2002 and, in 2018, became the first female Bishop of London, following the Church of England’s decision to allow women to hold the post after internal debate.1
Installation Ceremony and Attendees
Approximately 2,000 people attended the enthronement, including British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Prince William and Catherine, Princess of Wales.1 Seated on the 13th-century stone throne of St. Augustine, the first Archbishop of Canterbury, Mullally delivered her inaugural sermon to representatives from the Church of England, other faiths, and the British National Health Service.1
Pilgrimage to Canterbury
Prior to the enthronement, Archbishop Mullally undertook a six-day pilgrimage on foot from London to Canterbury.1
Succession and Role
Mullally succeeds Justin Welby, who resigned in November 2024 following scrutiny over his handling of physical and sexual abuse scandals.1 As Archbishop of Canterbury, she is too a Lord Spiritual, granting her a seat in the House of Lords of the United Kingdom Parliament.1 She will provide spiritual leadership to the 85 million Anglican believers across 165 countries.1
Personal Background and Education
Born Sarah Elisabeth Bowser on March 26, 1962, in Woking, Surrey, England, she is married to Eamonn Mullally and has two children.1 Archbishop Mullally holds a BSc and MSc from London South Bank University, a DipTh from the University of Kent, and an MA from Heythrop College, London, in addition to ordination qualifications from the South East Institute for Theological Education.1
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