Sarah Mullally Appointed as First Female Archbishop of Canterbury

The Church of England has announced the historic appointment of Dame Sarah Mullally as the 106th Archbishop of Canterbury the first woman to hold the role in nearly five centuries. The appointment was confirmed on Friday, following the resignation of Archbishop Justin Welby, and formally approved by King Charles III.

Dame Sarah, 63, has served as Bishop of London since 2018. A former healthcare leader, she made history earlier in her career as the youngest Chief Nursing Officer for England. Her formal installation as Archbishop is scheduled to take place at Canterbury Cathedral in March 2026.

In her initial public remarks, Archbishop-designate Mullally expressed gratitude and a deep sense of responsibility. “I approach this calling with peace and trust in God,” she said, highlighting her commitment to service and to bringing unity and healing within the Church. She also reflected on her spiritual journey, saying that throughout both her nursing and ministerial careers, she has strived to listen closely to people and to God.

However, her appointment has sparked criticism from parts of the global Anglican community. The Global Anglican Future Conference (GAFCON), a conservative network representing millions of Anglicans worldwide, issued a statement expressing regret over the decision.

GAFCON raised theological objections to Mullally’s support for same-sex marriage blessings within the Church of England, arguing that such views contradict biblical teachings and her ordination vows. The group also stated that the appointment of a woman to the position undermines the Archbishop’s role as a unifying figure for the global Communion, noting that many Anglican provinces still uphold a male-only episcopate.

Reaffirming their 2023 Kigali Commitment, GAFCON declared they no longer recognize the Archbishop of Canterbury as a credible symbol of Anglican unity. In response, the organization announced it will host the G26 Bishops Assembly in Abuja, Nigeria, in March 2026 to chart a way forward for orthodox Anglicans.

Despite their criticisms, GAFCON expressed hope that Archbishop-designate Mullally might reconsider her positions and work toward reconciliation within the broader Anglican fellowship.