Dame Sarah Mullally Enthroned as First Female Archbishop of Canterbury

Sarah Mullally was formally enthroned as Archbishop of Canterbury on March 25,2026 at Canterbury Cathedral , becoming the first woman to lead the Church of England in its history. The service, held on the Feast of the Annunciation, marked the official start of her leadership following the resignation of her predecessor, Justin Welby , in late 2024 after criticism over the church’s handling of safeguarding cases. Mullally, 63, previously served as Chief Nursing Officer for England before being ordained. During the ceremony, she followed tradition by knocking three times on the cathedral’s Great

Sarah Mullally was formally enthroned as Archbishop of Canterbury on March 25,2026 at Canterbury Cathedral, becoming the first woman to lead the Church of England in its history.

The service, held on the Feast of the Annunciation, marked the official start of her leadership following the resignation of her predecessor, Justin Welby, in late 2024 after criticism over the church’s handling of safeguarding cases.

Mullally, 63, previously served as Chief Nursing Officer for England before being ordained. During the ceremony, she followed tradition by knocking three times on the cathedral’s Great West Door before being admitted.

Sarah Mullally arrives for the Enthronement Ceremony and knocked on the cathedral’s west door. /AP Photo

In her inaugural sermon, Mullally addressed a congregation of about 2,000 people, including senior political leaders and members of the royal family, and spoke about renewal and accountability within the church. “There is hope because we are invited to trust that God will do a new thing,” she said. “In the ordinary and extraordinary life of the church, we see God’s hand at work.”

Britain's Princess Kate and Prince William during the Enthronement Ceremony

The service included prayers and readings in multiple languages, reflecting the global nature of the Anglican Communion, which has an estimated 85 million members worldwide.

Mullally takes office at a time of internal division within the church. Some conservative groups, including the Global Anglican Future Conference (GAFCON), have expressed opposition to her leadership.

Mullally will serve as spiritual head of the global Anglican Communion. /AP Photo

Addressing the issue of trust and accountability, Mullally said in her sermon that greater openness would be needed within the church.

She was born in Woking in 1962 and has had a career spanning healthcare and ministry. She was appointed Chief Nursing Officer for England in 1999, ordained as a priest in 2002, and became Bishop of London in 2018.