Sarah Mullally Confirmed as first woman archbishop of Canterbury

LONDON: Sarah Mullally was officially confirmed on Wednesday as the first woman to lead the Church of England as Archbishop of Canterbury in a traditional ceremony at St Paul’s Cathedral.

The ancient Confirmation of Election ceremony legally marked Mullally’s assumption of office as the 106th Archbishop of Canterbury. She took an oath of allegiance before senior bishops acting as Royal Commissioners under the authority of King Charles.

Mullally will also serve as the spiritual head of 85 million Anglicans worldwide across 165 countries. Her public ministry will begin in March at Canterbury Cathedral, where she will deliver her first sermon as Archbishop.

The service featured hymns, readings, and music reflecting the global diversity of the Anglican Communion, including a South African Xhosa chant and a bilingual reading in English and Portuguese. Schoolchildren, choirs, bishops, and clergy from across the Church of England attended the ceremony.

Previously England’s Chief Nursing Officer, Mullally was named to replace Justin Welby in October. Her appointment drew criticism from some conservative Anglicans opposed to women’s ordination and debates over LGBTQ+ issues.

At 63, Mullally also faces scrutiny over past safeguarding issues within the Church but said she is ready to begin her role leading England’s historic church.