Sarah Mullally has been formally confirmed as the first woman to serve as Archbishop of Canterbury, the senior bishop and principal leader of the Church of England.
The Confirmation of Election ceremony took place Wednesday, January 28, 2026, at St Paul’s Cathedral in London, officially installing Mullally, 63, as the 106th Archbishop of Canterbury.
During the ceremony, she took the Primatial Cross, the symbol of her authority, and offered a blessing to conclude the service.
Mullally, who previously served as Bishop of London and the United Kingdom’s chief nursing officer, succeeds Justin Welby.
READ ALSO: Gay Marriage in Church Inevitable – Female Archbishop Cherry Vann Opens Up
Her full public ministry will begin with an Installation service at Canterbury Cathedral in March 2026.
The ceremony was attended by senior clergy and worshippers, featuring hymns and readings representing the global Anglican Communion.
Mullally’s confirmation marks a historic milestone for women in the Church of England, more than 30 years after the first female priests were ordained.