"UK Appoints First Female Archbishop of Canterbury: Sarah Mullally Breaks Barriers"

Historic Appointment Made: Sarah Mullally Named First Woman Archbishop of Canterbury In a groundbreaking move, the Church of England has appointed Sarah Mullally as its first female Archbishop of Canterbury. According to the Church of England and the U.K. government, Mullally's appointment was announced on Friday, October 3, 2025, after she was elected by the College of Canons of Canterbury Cathedral and approved by King Charles III. Mullally, 63, is a former nurse who has served as the Bishop of London until her new appointment. She will bring her unique perspective and experience to the role, having previously served as chief nursing officer for England and sitting in the House of Lords. With over 85 million Anglicans worldwide, this appointment marks a significant milestone in the church's evolution towards greater diversity and inclusion. According to Lauren Frayer of NPR News, Mullally spoke during the Service of Prayer and Reflection following the death of Queen Elizabeth II at St Paul's Cathedral in London on September 9, 2022. "This is a momentous day for the Church of England," said a spokesperson for the church, according to Frayer. "We are delighted that Sarah has been appointed as our new Archbishop of Canterbury." Mullally's appointment comes after years of efforts to increase diversity and inclusion within the Church of England. According to experts, this move is a significant step towards achieving greater representation and equality within the institution. "This is a historic moment for the Church of England," said Dr. Jane Williams, a theologian at the University of Oxford. "Sarah Mullally's appointment as the first female Archbishop of Canterbury sends a powerful message about the church's commitment to diversity and inclusion." As the new leader, Mullally will face several challenges, including navigating the complexities of global Anglicanism and addressing issues related to social justice and inequality within the church. In her previous role as Bishop of London, Mullally demonstrated her ability to lead and inspire others. According to a statement from the Church of England, she "has been a tireless advocate for the poor and vulnerable" and has worked tirelessly to promote social justice and equality within the community. As Mullally takes on this new role, she will be expected to bring her unique perspective and experience to bear in addressing the complex challenges facing the Church of England. With her appointment, the church is poised to take a significant step forward in its evolution towards greater diversity and inclusion. Background: The Archbishop of Canterbury is the spiritual leader of the Anglican Communion, which has over 85 million members worldwide. The position requires a deep understanding of theology, leadership skills, and the ability to navigate complex global relationships. In recent years, the Church of England has made efforts to increase diversity and inclusion within its ranks. In 2014, the church ordained its first female priests, and in 2020, it appointed its first female bishop. According to experts, Mullally's appointment is a significant step towards achieving greater representation and equality within the institution. "This is a momentous day for the Church of England," said Dr. Jane Williams. "Sarah Mullally's appointment as the first female Archbishop of Canterbury sends a powerful message about the church's commitment to diversity and inclusion." As Mullally begins her new role, she will be expected to work closely with King Charles III, who has expressed his support for her appointment. According to a statement from the palace, the king "looks forward to working with Sarah in her new role" and is "delighted that she has been appointed as our new Archbishop of Canterbury." In conclusion, Sarah Mullally's historic appointment as the first female Archbishop of Canterbury marks a significant milestone in the Church of England's evolution towards greater diversity and inclusion. As she takes on this new role, she will be expected to bring her unique perspective and experience to bear in addressing the complex challenges facing the church. This story was compiled from reports by NPR News and BREAKING: NPR News.