Introducing The Most Rev. Sarah Mullally, Archbishop of Canterbury
Francis’, Potomac and editor-in-chief of The Living Church presents an introduction to the new Archbishop of Canterbury.
New Archbishop of Canterbury
On many Sundays, when the Prayers of the People mention church leaders by name, they begin with the Archbishop of Canterbury, who is the spiritual head of the Anglican Communion. In early October, the Church of England announced the appointment of Bishop Sarah Mullally of London as the new archbishop. She is the first woman to hold this office since its establishment by St. Augustine in Kent in 597. Bishop Mullally will begin her ministry in late January.
Background and Career
Bishop Mullally was raised in a churchgoing family in the suburbs of London. Her initial career was in oncology nursing. At age 37, she became Chief Nursing Officer for Britain's National Health Service and received an O.B.E. for her notable contributions to nursing. Many regard her professional experience as making her an exceptional administrator. She is admired as a compassionate person and a good listener.
"Her professional background has made her an unusually gifted administrator, and she is seen as a caring person and a good listener."
She and her husband, Eamonn, have two children.
Ministry and Leadership
After pursuing ministry as a second career, Mullally led several parishes before becoming one of the Church of England’s first female bishops in 2015. Three years later, she was appointed to lead the Church of England's largest and most diverse diocese. Despite her center-left views, she gained the trust of many prominent conservatives within the diocese.
"She unexpectedly won the trust of most of its prominent conservatives, despite her center-left views."
Author’s summary: Sarah Mullally’s unique journey from nursing to Archbishop highlights her empathetic leadership and broad respect across diverse church communities.