Archbishop of Canterbury Sarah Mulally Begins Service After Historic Appointment (Canterbury, United Kingdom)

Sarah Mulally officially assumed the role of Archbishop of Canterbury on March 26, becoming the first woman to hold the position in the 1400-year history of the Anglican Communion. The formal ceremony, known as the “installation,” took place at Canterbury Cathedral, drawing over 2,000 attendees, including the Prince and Princess of Wales, the UK Prime Minister, and representatives from 42 churches within the English-speaking world. The event marked the beginning of Mulally’s public service as the spiritual leader of the Church of England and the global Anglican Communion, which encompasses over 100 million believers.

Mulally, who previously served as a nurse in an oncology department and was ordained as a priest at the age of 40, was appointed to the role in January. The ceremony followed centuries-old tradition, with Mulally knocking on the cathedral door three times before being allowed entry. This symbolic act, rooted in the history of the Church, signified her acceptance into the role and the recognition of her leadership.

The installation coincided with the Pleasure Festival, a time of celebration within the Church. The event was seen as a significant milestone, reflecting the Anglican Communion’s evolving stance on the role of women in leadership. Mulally’s first sermon emphasized trust in God’s guidance, stating, “the church goes with God, trusting that God is going with her.”

The Church of England has a long history of development, dating back to 597 when Saint Augustine was sent to Britain to convert the population to Christianity. The ordination of women as priests was first permitted in 1994, and the first woman to be consecrated as a bishop occurred in 2015. Mulally’s appointment represents a continuation of this gradual shift toward inclusivity within the Church.

The ceremony underscored the importance of unity and the shared mission of the Anglican Communion. As the first woman to lead the Church of England, Mulally’s leadership is expected to shape the future of the Anglican Communion, emphasizing service, justice, and the care of the vulnerable. Her appointment reflects a broader movement within the Church to embrace diversity and expand the roles of women in its leadership and ministry.

Source: Read the original report (translated from Russian)