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Sarah Mullally to be enthroned as first female Archbishop of Canterbury

newsMar 25, 2026

Dame Sarah Mullally was formally enthroned at Canterbury Cathedral as the Church of England's first female Archbishop of Canterbury. The ceremony marks the official start of her public ministry as the spiritual leader of about 85 million Anglicans worldwide. A former cancer nurse and the youngest chief nursing officer for England in 1999, Mullally became a priest at age 40 and brings decades of healthcare and public service experience to the role. Her appointment has been celebrated by supporters and denounced by some conservative Anglicans, highlighting ongoing divisions over women clergy.

Key Highlights

Dame Sarah Mullally enthroned as first female Archbishop of Canterbury at Canterbury Cathedral
She served as England's youngest chief nursing officer in 1999
She becomes spiritual leader for about 85 million Anglicans worldwide