First Anglican Woman Installed as Archbishop of Canterbury

2026-03-25 - 21:44

The Archbishop of Canterbury has, for the first time in history, been filled by a woman, as Sarah Mullally was formally installed as the 106th holder of the office during a historic service at Canterbury Cathedral. According to a statement shared on the official Facebook page of the Anglican Communion, “The 106th Archbishop of Canterbury, the Most Revd and Rt Hon Dame Sarah Mullally has been installed at Canterbury Cathedral in a service that gathered Primates and Anglican representatives from all around the world.” In her inaugural sermon, Archbishop Mullally called on the global church to renew its mission in a changing world, saying: “Our world today needs the love, healing and hope that we find in Jesus Christ. I continue to pray that we renew our confidence in this good news, and recommit ourselves to sharing the joy of the Gospel.” She further emphasized the need for unity and outreach, adding: “A church for the whole nation and for the world, which looks for ways of joining with people of all faiths and none, in acts of service that will transform. “A church which extends around the world, with our sister churches in the Anglican Communion, as part of the one holy, catholic and apostolic Church, to embody Christ’s love.” The installation ceremony drew Anglican leaders and representatives from across the globe, marking a significant milestone in the history of the Church of England and the wider Anglican Communion.