Dame Sarah Mullally Named as Pioneering Woman Leader of the Church of England
Sarah Mullally has been named as the pioneering woman head of the Church of England, with Downing Street announcing the new spiritual leader of Canterbury almost twelve months following Justin Welby’s resignation amid controversy regarding safeguarding issues.
This represents the inaugural instance an leader of the Anglican church has been selected since the Church of England allowed women to become bishops in 2014.
The top cleric is considered the spiritual leader of the Anglican church worldwide and also possesses a role in the Lords.
The archbishop of York, Stephen Cottrell handled key tasks during the transition period, and was among the decision-makers of the body charged with choosing the next archbishop.
The appointments commission had to agree to the new appointment by a two-thirds majority vote. Following approval, according to custom, the process involves a name being given to the head of government, Keir Starmer and then submitted to the sovereign.
Mullally will not legally take on the role until a electoral confirmation in January, with an enthronement service taking place later, after allegiance is sworn to the sovereign.
