The Church of England has appointed Dame Sarah Mullally as its new archbishop of Canterbury, making her the first female to hold the position.
Some speculate that she will be a "caretaker" archbishop, tasked with guiding the church through a tumultuous period following her predecessor's resignation.
Justin Welby, the previous archbishop, stepped down in November after a report revealed the church's mishandling of sexual abuse allegations against a lay leader at Christian youth camps in the UK and Africa.
Mullally's appointment comes at a time when the church is facing multiple challenges, including scandal and potential schism.
Ministry involves a similar gauntlet of experiences, especially for the 106th archbishop of Canterbury, who will inherit an institution rocked by scandal and teetering on schism.
This new appointment is a significant development for the Church of England, and Mullally's leadership will be closely watched as she navigates these challenges.
Author's summary: Dame Sarah Mullally faces challenges as archbishop.