In a stunning departure from tradition in the Church of England, Sarah Mullally has been named the 106th archbishop of Canterbury. With her swearing in last week, she continues to make history as the first woman to be appointed to this important position. This momentous appointment comes almost a year to the day after Justin Welby’s resignation. It is destined to upend the traditionally male hierarchy of one of the world’s oldest religious institutions.
At 63 years young, Mullally has spent her whole life in service to others. She originally trained in healthcare as a nurse but has worked her way up the ranks both in healthcare and religious leadership. She is the first woman to be Bishop of London. This crucial role showcases her deep ministry experience and fierce dedication to the black church and community. Early life Mullally was born in Woking. At the age of 16, she accepted Christ as her savior, laying the groundwork for what would become a pioneering and powerful ministry.
Mullally’s story started on the other side of the Atlantic — in England’s National Health Service (NHS), where she served as a cancer nurse. She showed unparalleled devotion to the nursing profession, receiving many accolades for her tireless efforts. By 37 years of age, she was the English chief nursing officer for the government. For her exceptional contributions to the profession of nursing, she was named a dame. This well-deserved honor reflects not only her deep commitment to the field but her extraordinary impact.
As Mullally gets ready to take on her new role, the new CBO explained that she feels a profound sense of purpose.
“As I respond to the call of Christ to this new ministry, I do so in the same spirit of service to God and to others that has motivated me since I first came to faith as a teenager.” – Sarah Mullally
Legally, Mullally will assume the title of archbishop at a service in Canterbury Cathedral in January. Next, she will preside over an enthronement service. Royal family members have been known to attend this solemn but important community event. The jubilee surrounding this event highlights just how significant her appointment is for the church. It has tremendous import for the country writ large.
Her appointment represents not simply a personal triumph but a transformational, historic moment for women leading in religious life. Mullally’s ascent to one of the highest offices in the Church of England signifies a shift towards inclusivity and representation in a traditionally male-dominated institution.
Over the course of her career, Mullally has reinforced the idea that connection and understanding are paramount.
“At every stage of that journey, through my nursing career and Christian ministry, I have learned to listen deeply – to people and to God’s gentle prompting – to seek to bring people together to find hope and healing.” – Sarah Mullally
As she gets ready to assume this monumental charge, Mullally doesn’t shy away from the gravity of her new position.
“I know this is a huge responsibility but I approach it with a sense of peace and trust in God to carry me as He always has.” – Sarah Mullally
Mullally’s home life mirrors her family-centered faith in God as shown in her creative life. She is married to Eamonn Mullally and is the mother of two adult children, Liam and Grace. Her family history factors into her all-around approach to ministry—one that includes the leadership of the spirit and the unifying of the home.