Today marked a historic moment for the Church of England as Dame Sarah Mullally was appointed the first female Archbishop of Canterbury, a role that has existed for nearly 500 years. In her inaugural address, Mullally expressed gratitude to the women who paved the way for her and emphasized the Anglican Church’s role in offering “quieter and stronger” hope in an era characterized by a desire for certainty and tribalism.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer extended his well-wishes for her success, while the King also congratulated Mullally on her groundbreaking appointment. This significant development comes at a challenging time for the Church of England, following the resignation of former Archbishop Justin Welby due to a safeguarding scandal.
Challenges and Opportunities Ahead
In her speech at Canterbury Cathedral, Mullally candidly acknowledged the difficulties she will face in addressing the “misuse of power” within the Church. However, she noted that she has already observed a “cultural shift” in this area. Her official confirmation in the role is set for January, followed by an enthronement service.
Despite initial skepticism from some Church officials about appointing a woman to this prestigious position, Mullally’s selection marks a significant step forward. According to Harry Farley of BBC News, the decision was unexpected by some insiders who believed the Church would not take such a “huge step.”
Background and Career Path
Dame Sarah Mullally, 63, brings a wealth of experience to her new role. Before becoming a priest in 2006, she had a distinguished career in nursing, culminating in her appointment as the youngest-ever chief nursing officer for England in 1999. Her transition to the Church saw her quickly take on significant responsibilities, including reforms related to abuse handling.
As the Bishop of London, Mullally leveraged her administrative experience from the NHS to modernize the diocese. She has been a vocal opponent of assisted dying, a stance she shares with her predecessor, Justin Welby. Her leadership also saw the Church’s decision to allow priests to bless same-sex couples in 2023, which she described as “a moment of hope for the Church.”
A Vision for the Future
In her address, Mullally expressed her commitment to enabling everyone’s ministry and vocation to flourish, regardless of tradition. She thanked the women who preceded her for their support and inspiration, acknowledging the historic nature of her appointment.
“I will not always get things right,” she admitted, asking for prayers from those listening. Mullally stressed the importance of collective effort, citing a proverb: “If you want to go fast, go alone – if you want to go far, go together.”
Addressing Misuse of Power
Mullally addressed the Church’s recent safeguarding reviews, acknowledging past failures to take the misuse of power seriously. She pledged to listen to survivors and the vulnerable, emphasizing that “safeguarding is everyone’s business.” Her commitment to transparency and accountability is clear as she promises to shine a light on the Church’s actions.
Standing Against Hatred and Racism
In light of a recent deadly attack on a synagogue in Manchester, Mullally highlighted the Church’s responsibility to stand against antisemitism. “Hatred and racism of any kind cannot be allowed to tear us apart,” she asserted, reinforcing the Church’s role in fostering unity and compassion.
In her concluding statement, Mullally reflected on her journey of faith and her dedication to service. She expressed a desire for the Church to grow in confidence and continue spreading the love found in Jesus Christ. “I know this is a huge responsibility,” she said, “but I approach it with a sense of peace and trust in God to carry me as He always has.”
As Mullally prepares to officially assume her new role, the Church of England stands at a crossroads, poised to embrace change while confronting longstanding challenges. Her leadership promises to bring a fresh perspective to the historic institution.
