Sarah Mullally’s historic appointment as the first female Archbishop of Canterbury has prompted both celebration and immediate resistance from conservative Anglican leaders.
The Church of England on Friday appointed Sarah Mullally as the next Archbishop of Canterbury, making her the first woman to lead the 1,400-year-old office.
The 63-year-old former nurse will become the symbolic head of 85 million Anglicans worldwide. However, her appointment immediately drew criticism from conservative Anglican churches in Africa that oppose women bishops and same-sex blessings.
Laurent Mbanda, archbishop of Rwanda, said the decision made it impossible for the Archbishop of Canterbury “to serve as a focus of unity within the Communion.” Mullally, currently the Bishop of London, has previously backed blessings for same-sex couples.
In her address at Canterbury Cathedral, she vowed to ensure “every ministry flourish, whatever our tradition,” while pledging to strengthen safeguarding following abuse scandals.
She acknowledged longstanding disagreements over sexuality, saying, “It may not be resolved quickly.” She succeeds Justin Welby, who resigned following criticism over his handling of abuse cases.