Overview

• The UK government announced that King Charles III approved the College of Canons’ nomination of Mullally as the 106th Archbishop of Canterbury.
• She succeeds Justin Welby, who resigned in November 2024 after a church-commissioned report found he failed to promptly report abuse by John Smyth affecting more than 130 children and young people.
• In remarks at Canterbury, Mullally promised a culture of safety and wellbeing and said senior leaders carry added responsibility for protection.
• Aged 63, she is a former oncology nurse and former Chief Nursing Officer for England, and she previously served as Bishop of London.
• Reactions were mixed, with Prime Minister Keir Starmer praising the appointment, conservative Gafcon leaders condemning her stance on same-sex blessings, and the Vatican’s Cardinal Kurt Koch sending congratulations.