Dame Sarah Mullally Selected as First Woman Archbishop of the Church of England
Sarah Mullally has been named as the pioneering woman head of the Church of England, with the government confirming the top cleric of Canterbury almost twelve months following Welby stepping down amid controversy regarding safeguarding issues.
This marks the first time an archbishop of Canterbury has been appointed since the Church of England allowed women to become bishops in 2014.
The top cleric is considered the faith guide of the Anglican church worldwide and additionally holds a role in the Lords.
The archbishop of York, Stephen Cottrell handled key tasks during the transition period, and was among the decision-makers of the group responsible for selecting Welby’s successor.
The selection body had to endorse the candidate by a two-thirds majority vote. After agreement, in line with tradition, the procedure includes submitting a name to the prime minister – in this case Keir Starmer and then forwarded to the king.
The new archbishop will not formally assume the role until a confirmation of election in January, with an installation ceremony scheduled afterward, after homage is rendered to the monarch.
