Sarah Mullally Named as First Female Leader of the Church of England

The Church of England has selected Sarah Mullally as the inaugural woman leader of the Church of England, with Downing Street announcing the 106th archbishop of Canterbury almost twelve months following the departure of Justin Welby amid controversy regarding safeguarding issues.

This represents the inaugural instance an top bishop of Canterbury has been chosen since the Church of England opened the episcopate to women in 2014.

The archbishop is regarded as the religious head of the Anglican church all over the world and they also have a role in the Lords.

The York’s archbishop Stephen Cottrell handled key tasks in the interim, and was among the decision-makers of the group responsible for selecting Welby’s successor.

The selection body had to agree to the new appointment by a two-thirds consensus. Following approval, in line with tradition, the process involves a name being given to the head of government, Keir Starmer and then submitted to the sovereign.

She will not officially begin the role until a confirmation of election in January, with an enthronement service taking place later, after homage is rendered to the monarch.