London, October 6, 2025 – In a historic milestone for the Church of England, Dame Sarah Mullally, the current Bishop of London, has been appointed as the 106th Archbishop of Canterbury, marking the first time a woman will hold the role of the Anglican Communion's spiritual leader. The announcement, made last Friday, has sparked a range of reactions, including fervent prayers from evangelical leaders who hope Mullally will steer the church back to its traditional teachings on marriage and sexuality.
Mullally, 62, a former chief nursing officer for England and a trailblazing figure in both healthcare and the clergy, will be formally installed at Canterbury Cathedral in March 2026. King Charles III approved the appointment, which was recommended by the Crown Nominations Commission. Her selection comes amid ongoing debates within the global Anglican Communion over issues like same-sex blessings, where Mullally has previously supported liturgical provisions for same-sex couples while affirming the church's doctrine that marriage is between a man and a woman.
Evangelical groups, who represent a conservative wing of the Church of England emphasizing biblical orthodoxy, have responded with a mix of cautious optimism and urgent pleas. The Church of England Evangelical Council (CEEC) issued a statement expressing hope that Mullally's tenure could reverse what they describe as a "drift away from a biblical and Anglican understanding of marriage and sexual ethics." "We pray that this might be a moment where the current drift... is halted and reversed," the council said, urging the new archbishop to protect traditional teachings as a "focus of unity" for the worldwide church.
The CEEC's call echoes broader concerns from global Anglican conservatives, including the Global Anglican Future Conference (GAFCON), which expressed "sorrow" over the appointment, citing Mullally's vote in favor of same-sex blessings as a departure from historic doctrine. GAFCON, representing millions of Anglicans primarily in the Global South, warned that her leadership could further fracture the Communion, already strained by divisions over LGBTQ+ inclusion.
Not all reactions are critical. Progressive voices within the church hail Mullally's appointment as a "hopeful sign for a more inclusive Christianity," pointing to her pastoral approach and commitment to marginalized communities. In a video message, Mullally herself emphasized unity and service: "I'm deeply honoured to have been called to serve as the 106th Archbishop of Canterbury," she said, vowing to lead with humility amid the church's challenges.
Mullally's background adds layers to her historic role. Ordained as a priest in 2001 after a distinguished career in the National Health Service, she became the first woman to serve as Bishop of London in 2018. Supporters praise her pragmatic leadership during crises like the COVID-19 pandemic, where she bridged faith and public health. Critics, however, question whether her progressive leanings on social issues align with the expectations of the church's 85 million members worldwide.
As the Church of England grapples with declining attendance and cultural shifts, Mullally's ability to navigate these tensions will be closely watched. Evangelical leaders, while praying for a return to orthodoxy, also extended well-wishes, with one CEEC spokesperson noting, "We look forward to working with her to uphold the faith once delivered to the saints."
The appointment underscores the evolving landscape of Anglicanism, where debates over sexuality continue to test the bonds of a communion spanning continents. For now, prayers from evangelicals—and hopes from all sides—center on whether Mullally can foster healing in a divided flock.
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