Sarah Mullally has been formally installed as the Archbishop of Canterbury, becoming the first woman to lead the Church of England in a historic ceremony at Canterbury Cathedral.
The installation, attended by about 2,000 guests including Prince William, Catherine Princess of Wales, and Keir Starmer, marked the symbolic beginning of her public ministry as spiritual leader of the global Anglican Communion, which has around 85 million members.
Although she officially assumed office in January, the ceremony signified her formal taking of the historic Chair of St Augustine. In her inaugural sermon, Mullally expressed humility and commitment to service, while calling for peace in conflict-affected regions including the Middle East, Ukraine, Sudan, and Myanmar.
The 63-year-old former nurse also addressed internal challenges within the Church, acknowledging past safeguarding failures that led to the resignation of her predecessor, Justin Welby. She emphasized the need for accountability and renewed commitment to truth, justice, and compassion.
The ceremony blended tradition and symbolism, including Mullally knocking on the cathedral’s west door before entry. She wore ceremonial robes featuring a clasp inspired by her former National Health Service nurse’s belt and a historic ring originally given to former Archbishop Michael Ramsey by Pope Paul VI, symbolizing improving Anglican-Catholic relations since the split under King Henry VIII.
Her appointment, however, has not been without controversy. Conservative factions such as the Global Anglican Future Conference, representing churches in Africa and Asia, had opposed her leadership over issues including same-sex blessings and women’s ordination, reflecting ongoing divisions within the Anglican Communion.
Despite these tensions, Mullally has emphasized unity and inclusivity, describing the Church as a diverse global family with shared roots. Her leadership is expected to shape the future direction of Anglicanism at a time of both historic change and deep internal debate.
