Sarah Mullally Makes History as First Female Archbishop

A former chief nurse became the first woman in 1,400 years to lead the Church of England's highest office, stepping into a role that dates back to the year 597.

Sarah Mullally, 63, was formally installed as Archbishop of Canterbury on Wednesday before 2,000 guests at Canterbury Cathedral, including the Prince and Princess of Wales. Her appointment marks a milestone that would have seemed impossible just 50 years ago.

The ceremony blended ancient tradition with modern symbolism. Mullally knocked on the cathedral's west door seeking admission, where children greeted her before she was seated in the Chair of St Augustine, carved from marble in the early 1200s. Prayers rang out in multiple languages including Urdu, while African choruses filled the historic cathedral.

To prepare for her new role, Mullally walked 87 miles along the "Becket Camino" route from London to Canterbury. She stopped at churches, schools and abbeys along the way, connecting with communities she will now serve.

Her journey to this moment reflects decades of quiet revolution within the Church. Mullally worked as England's Chief Nursing Officer before her ordination as a priest in 2002. In 2015, she became one of the first women consecrated as a bishop in the Church of England, which has approved women's ordination for over 30 years.

More than 100 guests traveled from 165 countries to witness the historic installation. Mullally invited nurses and carers to attend the service, honoring her healthcare roots.

The Ripple Effect

Mullally's appointment sends ripples far beyond Britain's shores. As leader of the 85-million-strong global Anglican Communion, her presence challenges assumptions about who can lead and opens doors for women in faith communities worldwide.

The Church remains deeply woven into British life, running thousands of schools and overseeing charities and community projects across 16,000 parishes. Her leadership brings fresh perspective to an institution facing modern challenges while honoring centuries of tradition.

Dean David Monteith, who presided over the installation, captured the moment's significance simply: "Installing Sarah as our first female Archbishop would have been almost unimaginable even 50 years ago."

From hospital wards to the oldest seat of Anglican Christianity, Mullally's path shows how persistence and faith can rewrite even the most ancient traditions.