First female archbishop of Canterbury vows to call out misogyny

Sarah Mullally was confirmed as the first female Archbishop of Canterbury at a service in St Paul's Cathedral. In her new role, she vowed to address misogyny within the church, drawing on her experiences in both secular and religious roles. While Mullally has expressed support for same-sex blessings in the past, she stated her current focus is to listen to the church's views on the matter. Her appointment has faced opposition from some African church leaders, who maintain that the Bible requires a male-only episcopacy. Mullally also pledged transparency regarding her safeguarding record, an issue that led to her predecessor's resignation.

Sarah Mullally was confirmed as Archbishop of Canterbury on Wednesday, marking the first time a woman has held the position in the Church of England. The Archbishop of Canterbury is traditionally viewed as the spiritual leader of the worldwide Anglican Communion. Mullally, a former nurse, officially assumed her responsibilities following a legal confirmation ceremony, nearly four months after her appointment was announced. This milestone highlights the Church of England's divergence from the Catholic Church, which does not allow female priests. The Church of England began ordaining female priests in 1994 and female bishops in 2015.

On January 28, 2026, Sarah Mullally was legally confirmed as the new Archbishop of Canterbury at a Confirmation of Election ceremony held at St Paul’s Cathedral in London. This event marks a historic moment as Mullally becomes the first woman to hold the position of Archbishop of Canterbury in the Church of England. The ceremony formally recognizes her election to the leadership role. The Archbishop of Canterbury is the senior leader of the Church of England and the symbolic head of the worldwide Anglican Communion.