Dame Sarah Mullally has made history as the first woman to be appointed as the Archbishop of Canterbury in the Church of England. Formerly serving as the chief nursing officer for England, Dame Sarah is now the Archbishop of Canterbury-designate. She is set to officially assume the role as the Church’s top bishop in a legal ceremony expected in the near future. This appointment comes after a year-long vacancy in the position following Justin Welby’s resignation due to mishandling of an abuse scandal.
During the interim period, Archbishop of York Stephen Cottrell took on most of the duties, being part of the voting body responsible for selecting Mr. Welby’s successor. The Crown Nominations Commission, led by former MI5 director-general Lord Evans of Weardale, had to reach a two-thirds majority vote to agree on the appointment.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressed his support for Dame Sarah’s appointment, highlighting the significance of the Church of England in the country’s fabric. The Archbishop of Canterbury holds a vital role in national affairs, with involvement in churches, cathedrals, schools, and charities. The formal process of selecting the Archbishop involved the CNC recommending a candidate to the Prime Minister, who then passed the name to the monarch.
Although the King is technically the head of the Church of England, the Archbishop of Canterbury serves as the most senior bishop and spiritual leader of the Church and the global Anglican Communion. Dame Sarah will be legally instated as the Archbishop of Canterbury in a ceremony at Canterbury Cathedral in January, followed by an enthronement service where members of the royal family are expected to attend.
Having previously been the first female Bishop of London, Dame Sarah brings extensive experience to her new role. She engaged in community service activities even before her formal announcement, underscoring her commitment to serving others. The public had a chance to participate in a consultation process to provide input on the qualities desired in the next Archbishop, emphasizing integrity, honesty, and compassion towards the marginalized.
Additionally, the job description for the Archbishop emphasized the importance of offering a Christian perspective in various dialogues. Dame Sarah has already taken a firm stance against the assisted dying Bill under consideration in Parliament, prioritizing improved access to palliative care services. Justin Welby, the former Archbishop, had also been vocal on social issues, advocating for the abolishment of the two-child benefit cap and criticizing government policies regarding asylum seekers.
Mr. Welby’s resignation followed revelations of the Church’s failure to address abuse issues properly, highlighting the importance of accountability and transparency in the Church’s leadership. His successor, Dame Sarah Mullally, is poised to bring a fresh perspective and leadership to the role, addressing contemporary challenges facing the Church and society.