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First Woman Archbishop Confirmed
Sarah Mullally has been legally confirmed as the 106th Archbishop of Canterbury in a Confirmation of Election service at St Paul’s Cathedral, becoming the first woman to hold the post in the office’s roughly 1,400‑year history.
“Bishop Sarah Mullally DBE will be formally installed as the 106th Archbishop of Canterbury at her Confirmation of Election at St Paul’s Cathedral on Wednesday 28 January, becoming the first woman to hold the office in its 1,400‑year history.”
The ceremony legally installed her and combined ancient liturgical elements with formal legal procedure.
Her formal enthronement and first sermon as archbishop are planned at Canterbury Cathedral in March.
The moment has been framed as a historic milestone for the Church of England and the wider Anglican Communion.
Mullally's Background and Priorities
Mullally, 63, is a former chief nursing officer for England and served almost a decade as Bishop of London before being chosen to succeed Justin Welby.
Many accounts note her earlier career in the NHS and describe her as a former cancer nurse and a public-health professional turned senior cleric.
Ahead of and during the service she emphasised priorities such as leading with calmness, consistency and compassion, and hospitality.
She also stressed listening to those ignored or harmed, including survivors of abuse, and a commitment to justice, equity and care for creation.
Confirmation ceremony summary
The confirmation ceremony combined liturgy and legal formality.
“wigged judges presided over the legal Confirmation of Election as the choir sang and bishops greeted her with applause.”
Wigged judges presided over the legal Confirmation of Election.
Multilingual readings were included.
Schoolchildren and choirs took part.
Mullally’s first public acts in the service included taking up the Primatial Cross and giving a blessing.
The proceedings were briefly interrupted by a protester who was escorted out.
Officials reported no lawful objections to her election during the statutory notice period.
Reactions to historic appointment
Reactions were mixed, with many outlets describing widespread welcome for the historic appointment.
They also reported strong criticism from conservative leaders in parts of the Anglican Communion, particularly in Africa.
Commentators and named figures such as Archbishop Henry Ndukuba of Nigeria and Laurent Mbanda (Gafcon) publicly questioned whether a female archbishop could be a unifying figure.
Some reports highlighted scrutiny of her record on safeguarding, noting one recent complaint about her handling of an allegation was dismissed but could be appealed.
Mullally's upcoming role
Looking ahead, Mullally will be formally enthroned at Canterbury Cathedral in March (with some sources giving specific dates), will pay homage to King Charles, meet other faith leaders, and co-preside at the Church of England's General Synod as she begins the full public ministry of the archbishopric.
“She will be installed at Canterbury Cathedral on March 25, will pay homage to King Charles, and will co‑preside at the Church of England’s General Synod in February.”
Observers say the appointment signals change within the Church of England and puts immediate pressure on her to pursue safeguarding reform, improve governance, and navigate divisions over issues such as same-sex blessings.
Coverage cites wider institutional numbers that place the Church of England at roughly 1.02 million regular worshippers and the global Anglican Communion at about 85 million people across more than 165 countries.