Sarah Mullally’s historic appointment as archbishop of Canterbury divides Anglicans

The historic confirmation of Sarah Mullally as Archbishop of Canterbury has intensified theological and cultural divisions across the worldwide Anglican Communion. Mullally, the former Bishop of London, became the first woman to lead the Church of England in its nearly 500-year history during a ceremony at St. Paul’s Cathedral on January 28, 2026. Her appointment followed the resignation of former Archbishop Justin Welby in late 2024 amid criticism over his handling of a child abuse scandal.

Conservative Backlash and Threat of Schism

Mullally’s elevation has drawn sharp criticism from conservative Anglican provinces, particularly in the Global South. The Global Anglican Future Conference (GAFCON), a network representing millions of Anglicans across Africa, Asia, and South America, issued a statement expressing “sorrow” over the appointment, stating that the Archbishop of Canterbury could “no longer function as a credible leader of Anglicans, let alone a focus of unity.” The group cited both her gender and her supportive stance toward blessings for same-sex relationships as violations of traditional Anglican teaching.

A Career Marked by Breaking Barriers

Before entering full-time ministry, Mullally served as the United Kingdom’s Chief Nursing Officer. Ordained as a priest in 2001, she became the first woman to hold the position of Bishop of London in 2017. Throughout her career, she has emphasized inclusive love while navigating tensions between progressive and traditionalist factions. In 2023, the Church of England began offering prayers for same-sex couples—a move that further alienated some conservatives.

Shifting Center of Anglicanism

The controversy highlights a broader demographic and theological shift within Anglicanism. While the tradition originated in England, its center of gravity has moved to the Global South, which now accounts for the majority of the communion’s estimated 110 million adherents. Mullally’s leadership is seen by some as accelerating a possible realignment, with conservative provinces increasingly distancing themselves from the historic See of Canterbury.