Sarah Mullally Named as First Female Archbishop of Canterbury
The Church of England has selected Sarah Mullally as the first female leader of the Church of England, with Downing Street announcing the top cleric of Canterbury nearly a year after the departure of Justin Welby amid controversy regarding safeguarding issues.
This represents the inaugural instance an leader of the Anglican church has been appointed since the Church of England opened the episcopate to women in 2014.
The top cleric is considered the religious head of the Anglican church worldwide and they also have a position in the upper parliamentary chamber.
The Stephen Cottrell, the archbishop of York took on most of the responsibilities during the transition period, and was among the decision-makers of the body charged with choosing Welby’s successor.
The appointments commission had to approve the selection by a supermajority decision. After agreement, in line with tradition, the procedure includes submitting a name to the prime minister – in this case Keir Starmer and then submitted to the sovereign.
The new archbishop will not formally assume the role until a formal endorsement in January, with an installation ceremony taking place later, after they have paid homage to the king.
