Sarah Mullally

Sarah Mullally: 106th Archbishop of Canterbury

Dame Sarah Elisabeth Mullally (née Bowser), born March 26, 1962, is the 106th Archbishop of Canterbury, a role she has held since January 28, 2026. As Archbishop, she serves as the senior bishop of the Church of England and the ceremonial head of the Anglican Communion. Her position also makes her a lord spiritual, one of the 26 Church of England bishops who sit in the House of Lords. Mullally is notable for being the first woman to hold the office of Archbishop of Canterbury, as well as the first woman to serve as Bishop of London.

Early Life and Nursing Career

Born in Woking, Surrey, Mullally initially pursued a career in nursing, influenced by her Christian faith and a desire to provide holistic care. She earned a nursing degree and later a Master of Science in inter-professional health and welfare studies. Her distinguished nursing career included clinical and leadership roles at St Thomas' Hospital and the Royal Marsden Hospital. In 1999, she became chief nursing officer and director of patient experience for England, the youngest person to hold these positions. For her contributions to nursing and midwifery, she was appointed Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire in 2005.

Ordained Ministry and Episcopal Leadership

Mullally transitioned to full-time ordained ministry in 2004. She trained for ordained ministry part-time and studied theology, receiving a Diploma in Theology. She was ordained deacon in 2001 and priest in 2002. She served in the Diocese of Southwark before becoming canon treasurer of Salisbury Cathedral in 2012. In June 2015, she was consecrated Bishop of Crediton, becoming one of the first women consecrated as bishops at Canterbury Cathedral. In December 2017, she was announced as the next Bishop of London, a position she assumed in 2018, marking her as the first woman to serve in that capacity. She was sworn of the Privy Council in March 2018 and introduced to the House of Lords.

Archbishop of Canterbury

On October 3, 2025, it was announced that Mullally would succeed Justin Welby as Archbishop of Canterbury. Her election was legally confirmed on January 28, 2026, and she was formally installed at Canterbury Cathedral on March 25, 2026. Her appointment as the first female Archbishop of Canterbury has drawn both support and opposition from various Anglican groups globally, particularly concerning her views on same-sex relationships and the ordination of women. She has described herself as a feminist and is seen as a theological liberal.

Views and Personal Life

Mullally advocates for inclusive love within the Church of England and believes that diversity should flourish. She has expressed support for LGBT+ people in the church and believes in the church's role to demonstrate love to all. While supporting the traditional teaching that marriage is between one man and one woman, she has also supported initiatives for the pastoral care and inclusion of LGBT+ people. Regarding abortion, she identifies as pro-choice but would lean against abortion in her own decision. Mullally is married to Eamonn Mullally, and they have a daughter and a son. She has dyslexia, which she has noted makes reading biblical genealogies challenging.