Dame Sarah Mullally becomes the first woman in nearly five centuries to lead the Church of England, succeeding Justin Welby amid scandal.
LONDON — A historic moment has arrived for the Church of England. For the first time in its 491-year history, a woman has been chosen to lead the institution.
On Friday, Downing Street confirmed the appointment of Bishop of London Dame Sarah Mullally, 63, as the Archbishop of Canterbury-designate. She will succeed Justin Welby, who resigned in January following fierce criticism of his handling of a child sex abuse scandal that shook the church’s foundations.
Mullally, who embraced Christianity at age 16, brings decades of service and a reputation for both compassion and resolve. She will formally become the 106th Archbishop of Canterbury at her confirmation of election at St Paul’s Cathedral in January 2026, followed by a grand installation service at Canterbury Cathedral in March 2026.
Her appointment marks a decisive turning point for the Church of England, which has faced declining membership, internal divisions, and controversy in recent years. For many, Mullally’s elevation represents both renewal and accountability — a chance to rebuild trust and reconnect faith leadership with the wider public.
