1. Skip to content
  2. Skip to main menu
  3. Skip to more DW sites

Sarah Mullally first woman to lead Church of England

Thorkil Rothe
October 3, 2025

Sarah Mullally has been named as the new Archbishop of Canterbury — the first woman ever to lead the Church of England. Mullally previously served as Bishop of London and succeeds Justin Welby, who resigned last year in the wake of an abuse scandal.

https://p.dw.com/p/51TOd

Sarah Mullally has been appointed the first female Archbishop of Canterbury, ending over 1,400 years of male leadership in the Church of England. A former nurse turned priest, Mullally will lead 85 million Anglicans worldwide. Her appointment follows the resignation of Justin Welby amid abuse scandals. Mullally is praised for promoting safer church environments but faces challenges including declining attendance and divisions over LGBTQ+ inclusion.