Historic Day at Canterbury: Dame Sarah Mullally Becomes First Female Archbishop
Dame Sarah Mullally was officially enthroned as the 106th Archbishop of Canterbury on 25 March 2026. She is the first woman to hold this office since its founding in 597 AD, marking a landmark moment in Anglican history. In the days before the ceremony, Dame Sarah walked 87 miles from London to Canterbury with her husband, stopping to listen and prepare spiritually. At the cathedral’s West Door, she knocked three times and was welcomed by three local schoolchildren in an ancient ritual. The service reflected the global reach of the Anglican Communion, featuring prayers and hymns in Swahili, Spanish, Urdu and Bemba, as well as an African choir in kente attire and pioneering female bishops from across Africa. Over 2,000 guests attended, including the Prince and Princess of Wales and senior church leaders. In her first address, Dame Sarah reflected on her journey from nurse to senior church leader. She expressed gratitude for the prayers and pledges to walk alongside Anglicans worldwide, including the Church of Nigeria, under her spiritual leadership.
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