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8h ago

King Approves Dame Sarah Mullally as First Woman Archbishop of Canterbury

Her elevation after Justin Welby’s safeguarding resignation sets a mandate to rebuild trust across a divided church.

The Bishop of London Sarah Mullally participates in a service of prayer and reflection, following the passing of Britain's Queen Elizabeth, at St Paul's Cathedral on September 9, 2022 in London, England.
FILE - Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby as he listens to debate at the General Synod in London, Monday, Feb. 13, 2017. (AP Photo/Alastair Grant, File)
Mullally, who has served as Bishop of London since 2018, has previously championed several liberal causes within the Church, including allowing blessings for same-sex couples.
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Overview

  • Downing Street announced the appointment with the King's consent, naming the 63-year-old Bishop of London and former chief nursing officer as archbishop-designate.
  • She will assume the office legally after a confirmation of election expected in January, with an enthronement service to follow, and will remain Bishop of London until then.
  • The move follows Justin Welby’s departure after an independent review found failures in handling allegations against serial abuser John Smyth, with survivor advocates urging safeguarding reform.
  • Prime Minister Keir Starmer welcomed the choice, while the conservative Gafcon alliance said the decision underscored fractures in the global Anglican Communion.
  • An 11-month selection by the Crown Nominations Commission, chaired by Jonathan Evans, required a two-thirds majority and drew more than 11,000 public consultation responses.