Sarah Mullally enthroned as the first female Archbishop of Canterbury

On Wednesday, March 25, 2026, 63-year-old Sarah Mullally was enthroned at Canterbury Cathedral as the first female Archbishop of Canterbury. As the leader of the Anglican Communion, she now holds spiritual authority over approximately 85 million believers worldwide. The ceremony was attended by 2,000 guests, including Prince William and Catherine, Princess of Wales, as well as Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Following ancient tradition, Mullally requested entry by striking the cathedral's west door three times with a pastoral staff. Her appointment was confirmed in October, despite initial opposition from conservative Anglican factions within the Gafcon group. These critics, primarily from Africa and Asia, ultimately decided to form a new council rather than appoint a rival leader. Mullally, a former nurse and civil servant, was previously consecrated as one of the first women bishops of the Church of England in 2015. She occupies the historic 13th-century Chair of St Augustine to signify the start of her ministry.