The Church of England has made history today. Dame Sarah Mullally officially takes the reins as Archbishop of Canterbury—the very first woman to ever hold the top position in the Church’s 1,400-year history.
From Nurse to Archbishop: Mullally’s Remarkable Rise
Dame Mullally’s journey began in south London, where her roots run deep. Born Sarah Elisabeth Bowser in Woking, 1962, she put her Christian faith into action by becoming a nurse. After studying at London South Bank University and training at St Thomas’ Hospital, she climbed the NHS ladder with senior roles at Westminster Hospital, Chelsea and Westminster, and The Royal Marsden.
At just 37, she smashed records as England’s youngest Chief Nursing Officer in 1999. Her influence extended beyond hospitals—holding director roles at London South Bank University and King’s College London.
Climbing the Church Ladder: From Deacon to Archbishop
Her spiritual calling led her to ordained ministry in south London. Training at the South East Institute of Theological Education, she was ordained deacon in 2001 and priest in 2002. She cut her teeth with parish work in Battersea, Clapham, and Sutton, honing skills in pastoral care and ethics.
In 2015, she was consecrated Bishop of Crediton at Canterbury Cathedral—one of the first female bishops alongside Rachel Treweek. Three years later, she became Bishop of London, a crucial post and the Church’s third highest.
Her leadership stood out during the 2023 coronation, where she broke tradition by presiding over episcopal consecrations herself—normally done by other senior bishops. She also took on roles as a Lord Spiritual in the House of Lords and Dean of the Chapel Royal.
A Feminist Force for Change and Inclusion
Dame Mullally isn’t shy about her beliefs. Calling herself a feminist and theological liberal, she champions inclusion while respecting tradition. She’s voiced strong support for healthcare, LGBT+ rights, and social justice, blending pastoral care with civic commitment.
Married since 1987 to Eamonn Mullally, with two children, she lives in the heart of the City of London. All eyes are now on the Church as it enters its next era under the trailblazing Dame Sarah Mullally.
Originally published on UKNIP