Sarah Mullally Named as Pioneering Woman Leader of the Church of England
The Church of England has selected Sarah Mullally as the pioneering woman head of the Church of England, with Downing Street announcing the top cleric of Canterbury almost twelve months following the departure of Justin Welby following a safeguarding controversy.
This marks the first time an leader of the Anglican church has been appointed since the Church of England allowed women to become bishops in 2014.
The top cleric is considered the religious head of the Anglican church worldwide and they also have a seat in the House of Lords.
The archbishop of York, Stephen Cottrell took on most of the responsibilities during the transition period, and was among the decision-makers of the committee tasked with appointing the next archbishop.
The Crown Nominations Commission (CNC) had to endorse the candidate by a two-thirds consensus. Following approval, in line with tradition, the steps entail presenting a nominee to the prime minister – in this case Keir Starmer and then passed to the monarch.
She will not officially begin the role until a confirmation of election in January, with an enthronement service occurring subsequently, after allegiance is sworn to the sovereign.
