Sarah Mullally, first female Archbishop of Canterbury

Historic turning point in the Church of England, with a woman leading the 85 million Anglicans for the first time

Sarah Mullally, the first female Archbishop of Canterbury, represents an epoch-making turning point in the history of the Church of England, founded by Henry VIII five centuries ago. For the first time, the spiritual leader of the worldwide Anglican community, which has about 85 million followers, will be a woman. Mullally, 63, was Bishop of London and had a successful career as a nurse before devoting herself fully to church life.

From hospital to leadership of the Church of England

Ordained as a pastor at the age of 40, Sarah Mullally held important positions in the Church of England, becoming suffragan bishop of Crediton in the diocese of Exeter and then bishop of London. Her election comes after an eleven-month process following the resignation of Justin Welby, who was involved in an abuse scandal.

Mullally was a key figure in the “Living in Love and Faith” process, which introduced the possibility of prayers and blessings for stable same-sex couples, marking a significant shift within the Anglican Church.

First female Archbishop of Canterbury: the Catholic Church’s message

The appointment was followed by a message of welcome from Cardinal Vincent Nichols, Catholic Primate of England and Wales. In an official statement, he said: “She will bring many personal gifts and a wealth of experience to her new role. The challenges and opportunities are significant, and on behalf of the English Catholic community, I promise the new archbishop our prayers”. Nichols concluded by recalling the words of the Gospel: “May we all be one”, hoping for a strengthening of ecumenical relations.

Leadership between tradition and innovation

With her appointment, Sarah Mullally becomes the figurehead for millions of Anglicans around the world at a complex time marked by doctrinal tensions and the need for renewal. Her pastoral experience and focus on social issues position her as a leader capable of combining tradition and openness, with an eye towards ecumenical dialogue and modernity.

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