Archbishop Dame Sarah Mullally Makes Church of England History
The Church of England has just shattered a 1,400-year glass ceiling. Dame Sarah Mullally has officially taken the top job as Archbishop of Canterbury — the very first woman ever to hold the post.
From Nurse to Nation’s Top Bishop: Mullally’s Incredible Journey
Dame Sarah’s rise is nothing short of extraordinary. Born Sarah Elisabeth Bowser in Woking, 1962, she started out as a nurse in south London. After studying at London South Bank University and training at St Thomas’ Hospital, she soared through NHS ranks with senior roles at Westminster Hospital, Chelsea and Westminster, and The Royal Marsden.
At just 37, she shocked the establishment by becoming the youngest Chief Nursing Officer in England in 1999. Her influence spread beyond hospitals too, with leadership roles at London South Bank University and King’s College London.
Climbing the Church Ladder: Deacon to Archbishop in Record Time
Called by faith, Dame Sarah trained for ministry at the South East Institute of Theological Education. She was ordained deacon in 2001 and priest in 2002, cutting her teeth in Battersea, Clapham, and Sutton.
Her rise through the Church was rapid. In 2015, she was consecrated Bishop of Crediton, becoming one of the first female bishops alongside Rachel Treweek. By 2018, she was Bishop of London, the Church’s third highest position.
Her leadership shone during King Charles III’s 2023 coronation, where she boldly presided over episcopal consecrations herself — a role usually reserved for senior male bishops. She also serves as a Lord Spiritual in the House of Lords and Dean of the Chapel Royal.
A Fierce Feminist Championing Change and Inclusion
Dame Sarah wears her liberal, feminist beliefs on her sleeve. She fights for inclusion while honouring tradition, passionately backing healthcare, LGBT+ rights, and social justice.
“I’m committed to blending pastoral care with civic leadership,” Dame Sarah has said.
Married since 1987 to Eamonn Mullally and mother of two, she lives in the heart of the City of London. Now all eyes are on her as she leads the Church of England into a bold, new era.
