Sarah Mullally Named as First Woman Leader of the Church of England

The Church of England has selected Sarah Mullally as the first female leader of the Church of England, with the government confirming 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 archbishop of Canterbury has been chosen since the Church of England permitted female bishops in 2014.

The leader is seen as the religious head of the Anglican church worldwide and they also have a position in the upper parliamentary chamber.

The Stephen Cottrell, the archbishop of York took on most of the responsibilities during the transition period, and was among the decision-makers of the body charged with choosing Welby’s successor.

The Crown Nominations Commission (CNC) had to approve the selection by a supermajority decision. Once decided, according to custom, the steps entail presenting a nominee to the PM, currently Keir Starmer and then forwarded to the king.

She will not officially begin the role until a electoral confirmation in January, with an induction rite taking place later, after allegiance is sworn to the sovereign.