Historic Appointment: Dame Sarah Mullally to Lead Church of England

Dame Sarah Mullally has been appointed as the first female Archbishop of Canterbury, making history in the Church of England. A former Chief Nursing Officer in the NHS, she brings leadership, compassion, and a vision for inclusivity. Her appointment marks progress for women in Church leadership and highlights the Church’s commitment to equality and modern values.

Historic Appointment: Dame Sarah Mullally to Lead Church of England

Key Points

• Dame Sarah Mullally, aged 63, is the new Archbishop of Canterbury-designate.
• She is the first woman to hold this prestigious role in the Church of England.
• Before joining the Church, she worked 35+ years in the NHS and became the youngest Chief Nursing Officer in 1999.
• Became a priest in 2006 and the first female Bishop of London in 2018.
• She will officially take office in January 2026 after confirmation and enthronement at Canterbury Cathedral.
• Women were first allowed as priests in 1994; the first female bishops were appointed in 2014.
• Her appointment symbolizes progress, inclusion, and equality within the Church.
• Key priorities include:
  • Strengthening safeguarding systems
  • Rebuilding public trust after abuse scandals
  • Addressing declining church attendance
  • Advocating on ethical issues like assisted dying
  • Supporting inclusive practices, including blessing same-sex couples
• Prime Minister Keir Starmer and King Charles III congratulated her, while some conservative groups opposed the appointment.

Question & Answer

Q1. Who is the first female Archbishop of Canterbury?
(a) Dame Sarah Mullally
(b) Justin Welby
(c) Lucy Winkett
(d) Rachel Treweek
Answer: Dame Sarah Mullally

Q2. When will Dame Sarah Mullally officially take office?
(a) October 2025
(b) January 2026
(c) June 2025
(d) December 2025
Answer: January 2026

Q3. What was Dame Sarah Mullally’s profession before joining the Church?
(a) Lawyer
(b) NHS Chief Nurse
(c) Teacher
(d) Politician
Answer: NHS Chief Nurse

Q4. When were women first allowed to become priests in the Church of England?
(a) 1984
(b) 1994
(c) 2004
(d) 2014
Answer: 1994

Q5. What is one of Dame Sarah Mullally’s key priorities?
(a) Launching new schools
(b) Strengthening safeguarding systems
(c) Expanding overseas missions
(d) Writing new religious texts
Answer: Strengthening safeguarding systems

Q6. Which conservative group opposed her appointment?
(a) Anglican Church Worldwide
(b) Global Fellowship of Confessing Anglicans
(c) World Council of Churches
(d) Church Mission Society
Answer: Global Fellowship of Confessing Anglicans

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