Published：Mar 14, 00:01Last updated：Mar 27, 18:24

Sarah Mullally Enthroned as First Female Archbishop of Canterbury

Mar. 14, 2026 00:01

Dame Sarah Mullally will become the first modern Archbishop of Canterbury to undertake a pilgrimage. The journey covers 87 miles starting from London. The event is scheduled for March 14, 2026. The pilgrimage highlights her upcoming role and signifies a historic first in modern times.

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Mar. 26, 2026 03:07

Sarah Mullally, a former nurse and midwife, was enthroned as the Archbishop of Canterbury, becoming the first woman to lead the Anglican church. The historic ceremony took place at Canterbury Cathedral in England, with around 2,000 attendees, following the departure of her predecessor amid an abuse scandal. Mullally's appointment marks a significant milestone in the church's history.

Mar. 27, 2026 18:24

For the first time in 1400 years, a woman, Sarah Mullally, has become the Archbishop of Canterbury. The ceremonial event included royal guests and marked a historic milestone for the Anglican Church, on March 27, 2026.

Dame Sarah Mullally has been enthroned as the first female Archbishop of Canterbury, marking a watershed moment for the Church of England and the global Anglican Communion. The historic ceremony, held at Canterbury Cathedral in late March 2026, drew national and international attention, with royal guests and political leaders in attendance. Mullally’s appointment, following the resignation of Justin Welby amid criticism over safeguarding failures, signals a new era of leadership focused on accountability, inclusion, and healing within the church. BBC News+2

🥾 From Nurse and Midwife to Archbishop

Sarah Mullally’s journey to the archbishopric is remarkable for her transition from a career as a nurse and midwife—serving as England’s chief nursing officer—before being ordained as a priest at age 40. Her ascent culminated in her installation as the highest-ranking cleric in the Church of England. Mullally’s leadership style is shaped by her healthcare background, emphasizing empathy and practical safeguarding. Her pilgrimage from London to Canterbury ahead of the ceremony, covering 87 miles along the Becket Way, symbolized her commitment to humility and spiritual preparation. The Korea Herald+2

👑 A Historic Enthronement Ceremony

The enthronement, attended by around 2,000 people including Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Prince William, and senior clergy, took place at Canterbury Cathedral on March 26, 2026. The event was celebrated as the first time in 1,400 years that a woman has led the Anglican Church. Applause greeted Mullally as she was seated in the Chair of St Augustine, and the ceremony was widely covered in the media as a milestone for gender equality and religious progress. Der Spiegel+2

🌍 Priorities: Safeguarding, Accountability, and Controversy

Mullally has pledged to prioritize support for victims of historical abuse and strengthen safeguarding and accountability within the church, directly addressing the issues that led to her predecessor’s resignation. She has also faced scrutiny over her stance on a UK abortion bill, clarifying she would not support amendments to decriminalize late-stage abortions. These positions highlight her willingness to engage with contentious issues and her focus on restoring trust in church leadership. Russia Today+2

🏆 Reactions and Significance for the Church

Mullally’s enthronement has been hailed as a transformative milestone, inspiring both celebration and debate within the Anglican community. While her appointment is seen as a victory for inclusivity and progress, it has also drawn criticism from some conservative factions. The large public gathering, presence of high-profile guests, and extensive media coverage underscore the event’s significance for the UK and the global Anglican Communion. Der Spiegel+2

Sarah MullallyChurch of EnglandSouthwark CathedralCanterbury CathedralPrince and Princess of Wales