Church of England to Appoint First Female Archbishop in 1,400-Year History

The Church of England will mark a historic milestone in its 1,400-year history by appointing its first female Archbishop of Canterbury. Sarah Mallaley, 63, will assume the role in 2026 during a service at the Council of Canterbury. This appointment follows a public consultation process and prayerful discernment initiated in February of that year.

Sarah Mallaley, a former nurse and ordained minister, has dedicated her life to service. She expressed her commitment to sharing the “way of faith” with millions across Britain and the world. “In response to Christ’s call to this ministry, I do this in the same spirit of service to God and to others,” she said. Her journey began at 16 when she became a Christian, and she later pursued a career in nursing, believing it to be a way to reflect God’s love.

Born in Surrey in 1962, Sarah’s career took a significant turn when she became the youngest General Nurse Officer of the British Government at age 37. Her dedication earned her the title of Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire. In 2001, she was ordained and served in the Southwark diocese before transitioning to a full-time ministry in 2004.

Her ecclesiastical career advanced rapidly. In 2012, she was appointed to the Silsber Cathedral canon, and by 2015, she became the Suffragan Bishop of Exeter. On May 12, 2018, she was consecrated as the 133rd Bishop of London, making her the first woman to hold that position.

Sarah is married to Aemonn, and they have two grown children, Liam and Grace. The Royal Nomination Commission (CNC) selected her after a thorough process involving church representatives, including those from the World Church of England and the Canterbury diocese.

As Archbishop of Canterbury, Sarah will hold the title “Primate of All England,” which denotes her role as the head of the Church of England and a metropolitan bishop. This appointment reflects a significant step in the church’s ongoing journey of inclusion and leadership.

Source: Read the original report (translated from Ukrainian)