Sarah Mullally named as new Archbishop of Canterbury

Sarah Mullally named as new Archbishop of Canterbury

Dame Sarah Mullally has broken barriers by being named the new Archbishop of Canterbury designate, making her the first woman to ever be chosen for this prestigious role. After a successful career as an NHS chief nurse, she transitioned to priesthood in 2006 and later became the first female Bishop of London in 2018, marking a significant milestone in the Church of England’s long history. The selection of Dame Sarah as the Archbishop of Canterbury designate is a historic moment, as it represents the first time in nearly 500 years that a woman has been nominated to lead the Church.

Following the resignation of Justin Welby amidst a safeguarding scandal, the Church was left without a leader for almost a year. Archbishop of York Stephen Cottrell assumed most of Mr. Welby’s responsibilities during this interim period and played a role in the voting process for choosing his successor. The nomination of a woman for this esteemed position reflects the progress made since the first female priests were ordained in 1994 and the subsequent appointment of female bishops in 2014. The traditional process of selecting a new Archbishop involves recommending a name to Prime Minister, followed by the monarch’s approval.

As the Archbishop of Canterbury, Dame Sarah will hold a crucial role in the national life of England. Her appointment has been welcomed by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, acknowledging the significance of her leadership in the Church. Despite not officially assuming her new role until a confirmation of election in January, Dame Sarah has expressed her readiness to take on this immense responsibility with faith and conviction. She has emphasized the importance of unity and compassion within the Church, particularly in addressing issues such as hatred and racism.

Married with two children, Dame Sarah brings over 35 years of experience in the NHS to her new role, demonstrating a strong commitment to service and compassion. Her journey from nursing to priesthood reflects her enduring vocation of following Jesus Christ and serving others with empathy. Tasked with modernizing the diocese of London during her tenure as Bishop, she has been vocal about contentious issues such as assisted dying and same-sex marriages within the Church. As she prepares to assume the role of Archbishop of Canterbury, Dame Sarah faces the challenge of addressing abuse, promoting inclusivity, and navigating complex societal issues while staying true to her calling as a faithful servant of God

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