Dame Sarah Elisabeth Mullally

Stories

First woman leads the Church of England

Legally confirmed; formal installation scheduled March 25, 2026

For 1,400 years, only men held the position of Archbishop of Canterbury. On January 28, 2026, Dame Sarah Mullally's legal confirmation at St Paul's Cathedral ended that streak, making her the 106th person—and first woman—to lead the Church of England. She is the symbolic head of the global Anglican Communion, which has 85 million members across 165 countries.

Updated May 23

Notable Quotes

"I intend to be a shepherd who enables everyone's ministry and vocation to flourish, whatever our tradition."

from First woman leads the Church of England · Updated May 23

"As the first woman Bishop of London I am necessarily subversive—and it's a necessity I intend to embrace."

from First woman leads the Church of England · Updated May 23

"In the apparent chaos which surrounds us, in the midst of such profound global uncertainty, the possibility of healing lies in acts of kindness and love."

from First woman leads the Church of England · Updated May 23