Sarah Mullally Named as First Woman Archbishop of Canterbury
Sarah Mullally has been named as the first female leader of the Church of England, with Downing Street announcing the 106th archbishop of Canterbury shortly after a year since the departure of Justin Welby following a safeguarding controversy.
This represents the inaugural instance an top bishop of Canterbury has been chosen since the Church of England opened the episcopate to women in 2014.
The leader is seen as the spiritual leader of the Anglican church worldwide and they also have a position in the upper parliamentary chamber.
The York’s archbishop Stephen Cottrell handled key tasks during the transition period, and was among the decision-makers of the group responsible for selecting the new leader.
The selection body had to agree to the new appointment by a two-thirds majority vote. Following approval, as per protocol, the steps entail presenting a nominee 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 formal endorsement in January, with an installation ceremony scheduled afterward, after they have paid homage to the king.
