The Church of England has made a historic announcement by appointing Sarah Mullally as the next Archbishop of Canterbury, marking the first time a woman has held this ceremonial head position for Anglican Christianity on a global scale. The selection of the 63-year-old bishop, who previously served as England’s Chief Nursing Officer, has been met with immediate backlash from conservative church leaders, particularly in Africa, where gender roles in church leadership remain a contentious issue.
Mullally, who has been the Bishop of London since 2018, is likely to encounter the divisions that have characterized the Anglican Communion, especially regarding women’s roles and the acceptance of same-sex couples. Laurent Mbanda, archbishop of Rwanda and leader of a conservative Anglican coalition, stated that Mullally’s appointment would not bring unity to the Communion. Meanwhile, a Nigerian bishop labeled the choice as “very dangerous,” asserting that women should remain subordinate to men in church leadership.
In her first address as Archbishop, delivered at Canterbury Cathedral, Mullally expressed her desire to ensure that every ministry flourishes, regardless of its tradition. Acknowledging the church’s long-standing struggles with issues around same-sex relationships, she indicated that resolution might not come swiftly.
Mullally’s commitment to improving safeguarding practices within the church is notable, particularly in light of past scandals. She condemned rising antisemitism following a violent attack on a synagogue in Manchester, emphasizing the importance of community cohesion in a time of increasing societal fractures.
The Church of England, which has permitted women to be ordained as priests for over 30 years and bishops for more than a decade, faces challenges from conservative factions within its global membership. Many churches in Africa and Asia reject these reforms but recognize the Archbishop of Canterbury as a ceremonial leader. The Vatican has, however, welcomed Mullally’s appointment as a significant shift for the Anglican Church, acknowledging the considerable challenges it faces.
Mullally succeeds Justin Welby, who resigned due to a scandal involving child abuse cover-ups and faced criticism for his activist stance on social issues. She aims to bring strong management and compassionate leadership to the role, reaffirming her commitment to addressing contemporary issues within both the church and society.
As Mullally steps into her new role, her leadership could herald a positive shift for the Anglican Church. Emphasizing unity, inclusivity, and safeguarding, her appointment offers hope that the church can navigate its divisions and work towards a more cohesive and supportive future for its diverse community.