Sarah Mullally Selected as First Female Archbishop of Canterbury
Sarah Mullally has been named as the inaugural woman leader of the Church of England, with Downing Street announcing the 106th archbishop of Canterbury shortly after a year since Justin Welby’s resignation amid controversy regarding safeguarding issues.
This is the initial occasion an top bishop of Canterbury has been selected since the Church of England allowed women to become bishops in 2014.
The top cleric is considered the faith guide of the Anglican church globally and additionally holds a position in the upper parliamentary chamber.
The archbishop of York, Stephen Cottrell assumed many duties in the interim, and was one of the voting members of the body charged with choosing the new leader.
The selection body had to approve the selection by a two-thirds consensus. Following approval, as per protocol, the steps entail presenting a nominee to the prime minister – in this case Keir Starmer and then forwarded to the king.
She will not officially begin the role until a confirmation of election in January, with an installation ceremony taking place later, after allegiance is sworn to the sovereign.
