A former midwife has made history after being formally installed as the first female Archbishop of Canterbury, marking a significant milestone for the Church of England.
Sarah Mullally, 63, was enthroned during a traditional ceremony at Canterbury Cathedral, becoming the first woman to lead the global Anglican Communion, which counts around 85 million members worldwide.
The historic service, attended by about 2,000 guests including Prince William and other dignitaries, followed centuries-old rituals, including the symbolic act of knocking on the cathedral’s west door before entry.
Responding to children who asked about her mission, Mullally said: “I am sent as archbishop to serve you, to proclaim the love of Christ and with you to worship and love him with heart and soul, mind and strength.”
Her installation comes after the resignation of her predecessor, Justin Welby, following criticism over the handling of abuse allegations within the church.
Mullally’s enthronement is widely seen as a landmark moment for gender inclusion in the Church of England, although it also comes at a time of internal challenges, including divisions within the Anglican Communion and ongoing efforts to rebuild trust after past scandals.
