Sarah Mullally becomes the first woman to lead Church of England

London Bishop Sarah Mullally has been appointed Archbishop of Canterbury, becoming the first woman to lead the Church of England, Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s office said on Wednesday.

“King Charles III has approved the nomination of the Right Reverend and Right Honourable Dame Sarah Mullally for election by the College of Canons of Canterbury Cathedral, in succession to the Most Reverend and Right Honourable Justin Portal Welby,” the statement said.

Starmer welcomed the appointment, saying the Church of England “holds deep significance” for the country.