Sarah Mullally: 106th Archbishop of Canterbury – Biography, Stance

When a former cancer nurse and chief nursing officer for England steps into the role of the 106th Archbishop of Canterbury, you know the Church of England is writing a new chapter. Dame Sarah Mullally, the first woman to hold the office, was installed on 25 March 2026, bringing with her a theology shaped by belonging and a career that spans the NHS, the bishopric of London, and now the highest Anglican seat. Here’s what you need to know about her biography, her stances, and the controversies already swirling.

Installation date: 25 March 2026 ·
Number in succession: 106th Archbishop of Canterbury ·
First woman to hold office: Yes ·
Predecessor: Justin Welby ·
Church: Church of England

Seven facts at a glance, one pattern: Mullally’s career combines secular public service with progressive Anglican leadership.

Who is Sarah Mullally, the new Archbishop of Canterbury?

Sarah Mullally was born in the 1960s and trained as a nurse before becoming the youngest Chief Nursing Officer for England at age 37 (Anglican Communion Office (official church agency)). She specialized in cancer nursing before moving into NHS leadership. In 2018, she became the Bishop of London, a role she held until her elevation to Archbishop of Canterbury.

Early life of Sarah Mullally

• Born in the 1960s, she studied nursing at the University of Surrey.
• Worked as a cancer nurse before joining the Department of Health.
• Appointed Chief Nursing Officer for England in 1999, the youngest ever at 37 (Anglican Communion Office).

Where a theology of belonging thrived

Mullally has described her approach as “a theology of belonging,” rooted in the idea that everyone has a place in the Church regardless of background. This stance has been central to her support for the Living in Love and Faith process, which explores LGBTQ+ inclusion.

The implication: her theology directly challenges the conservative wing of the Anglican Communion, where belonging is often contingent on doctrinal conformity.

Is the new Archbishop of Canterbury pro LGBTQ?

Archbishop of Canterbury Sarah Mullally’s stance on LGBT+ rights

According to PinkNews (LGBTQ+ news outlet), Mullally helped lead the Church’s Living in Love and Faith process as Bishop of London. The prayers of love and faith allow same-sex blessings in churches but do not constitute a marriage ceremony. She said: “Our eyes have been opened to the harm we have done, especially to LGBTI+ people.” In 2023, she joined bishops in an open letter of apology to LGBT+ people.

What this means: Mullally has not changed official Church doctrine on same-sex marriage — that remains barred — but she has pushed the boundaries of pastoral practice further than any previous Archbishop.

Is Sarah Mullally a Catholic?

No. Mullally is a bishop in the Church of England (Anglican/Protestant). Her husband Eamonn Mullally is also an Anglican priest. Neither is Roman Catholic (Church of England).

Is Eamonn Mullally a Catholic?

Rev. Eamonn Mullally serves as an Anglican priest. The couple met while both were training for ordination. There is no evidence to suggest he is Roman Catholic.

Is Eamonn Mullally Catholic or Protestant?

Eamonn Mullally is Protestant — specifically, an ordained minister in the Church of England.

The pattern: The confusion stems from the name “Mullally” which is Irish; many assume Catholicism. But both Sarah and Eamonn belong firmly within the Anglican tradition.

Does Sarah Mullally live with her husband?

Yes. Sarah and Eamonn Mullally are married and live together at Lambeth Palace, the official residence of the Archbishop of Canterbury (Archbishop of Canterbury official site).

Where does the Archbishop of Canterbury live?

The official residence is Lambeth Palace in London. The Archbishop also has a secondary residence, the Old Palace in Canterbury, but Lambeth Palace is the primary home.

What this means: Unlike some previous Archbishops who lived separately from their spouses due to ecclesiastical expectations, the Mullallys share a home — a reflection of the modern Anglican approach to clergy marriage.

Why is the new Archbishop of Canterbury so controversial?

I will speak out on misogyny, first female Archbishop of Canterbury says

In her installation sermon, Mullally declared she would “speak out against misogyny wherever it is found” (BBC News). The statement drew sharp reactions: praise from equality campaigners, criticism from those who believe the Church should avoid political stances.

• Her outspokenness on gender equality has drawn both praise and criticism.
• Her stance on LGBTQ+ inclusion is a deeply divisive issue within the Anglican Communion.
• As the first woman, her appointment itself was controversial for some traditionalists (Reuters).

The trade-off: Mullally’s progressive stance may alienate conservative provinces and risk further fragmentation of the Anglican Communion. But for many in England, it positions the Church as relevant in a secular age.

What did Pope Leo XIV say about Sarah Mullally?

Pope Leo XIV met with Mullally after her installation. According to PBS NewsHour (US public broadcaster), they prayed together, signaling continued ecumenical dialogue. The Pope reportedly described the meeting as “a moment of grace” and reaffirmed the Catholic Church’s commitment to unity.

Why this matters: The meeting came despite Vatican reservations about women’s ordination. That the Pope prayed publicly with a female Archbishop underscores the complex dance between doctrinal differences and shared Christian witness.

How is the Archbishop of Canterbury chosen and what is the salary?

List of Archbishop of Canterbury

Sarah Mullally is the 106th Archbishop of Canterbury. Her immediate predecessor was Justin Welby (2013–2026). Others include Rowan Williams (2002–2012) and George Carey (1991–2002).

List of recent Archbishops of Canterbury

• Justin Welby (2013–2026)
• Rowan Williams (2002–2012)
• George Carey (1991–2002)

Archbishop of York

The Archbishop of York is the second most senior bishop in the Church of England. The current Archbishop of York is Stephen Cottrell. The Archbishop of Canterbury is the senior primate.

The Archbishop is appointed by the British monarch on the advice of the Prime Minister. The Crown Nominations Commission recommends candidates. The process typically takes months. The salary is set by the Church of England and is publicly disclosed — currently around £85,000 per year, plus residence and expenses (Church of England).

The catch: The salary is modest compared to senior executives, but Lambeth Palace and other allowances effectively double the compensation package. For many, the real question is influence, not income.

Timeline signal

What’s clear, what’s not

Quotes

“Our eyes have been opened to the harm we have done, especially to LGBTI+ people.”

— Archbishop Sarah Mullally, reported by PinkNews

“We realise this behaviour has not reflected the universal love of God for all people.”

— Archbishop Sarah Mullally, 2023 open letter to LGBT+ people, via PinkNews

“A moment of grace.”

— Pope Leo XIV on meeting Mullally, as reported by PBS NewsHour

For the Church of England, the choice is clear: follow Mullally’s lead toward a more inclusive, outspoken church and risk deeper fractures with the Global South, or slow down and risk irrelevance at home. For the new Archbishop, the consequence is the same either way — her name will be written into history as either the one who held the Communion together or the one under whom it split.

For an in-depth look at her early life and rise to the position, readers can explore a full biography of Sarah Mullally that traces her journey from nursing to the archbishopric.

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