Archive · 30 Jan 2026
Church of England Instates First Woman Leader
Sarah Mullally, a former nurse and Bishop of London, has become the first woman to lead the Church of England.
She was officially confirmed as the Archbishop of Canterbury, which makes her the spiritual leader of the Anglican Communion, a group of 42 churches around the world.
Some of these churches do not allow women to be priests, so her role will be challenging.
Mullally has promised to bring people together and address issues like misogyny, which she has experienced in both her secular and church roles.
She will start her public ministry after a special ceremony on March 25 at Canterbury Cathedral.
Sarah Mullally was formally confirmed as the 106th Archbishop of Canterbury, making her the first woman to lead the Church of England.
She also became the spiritual leader of the global Anglican Communion, a confederation of 42 Anglican provinces.
Mullally's confirmation ceremony was held at London’s St. Paul’s Cathedral, transforming it into an ecclesiastical courtroom.
She previously served as the Bishop of London and was England’s former chief nursing officer.
Mullally will begin her public ministry after her installation ceremony at Canterbury Cathedral on March 25.
- Who
- Sarah Mullally, the new Archbishop of Canterbury and spiritual leader of the Anglican Communion.
- What
- Sarah Mullally was formally confirmed as the first woman to lead the Church of England and the Anglican Communion.
- When
- The confirmation took place on a Wednesday (specific date not mentioned), with the installation ceremony scheduled for March 25.
- Where
- The confirmation ceremony was held at London’s St. Paul’s Cathedral, and the installation will be at Canterbury Cathedral.
- Why
- Mullally was chosen to lead the Church of England and the Anglican Communion, succeeding Justin Welby, who stepped down amid allegations of mishandling a case of child sexual abuse.
- Name
- Sarah Mullally
- Position
- 106th Archbishop of Canterbury
- Significance
- First woman to lead the Church of England
- Previous Role
- Bishop of London
- Confirmation Date
- Wednesday (unspecified date)
- Installation Ceremony
- March 25 at Canterbury Cathedral
- Anglican Communion
- Confederation of 42 Anglican provinces