Former Chief Nurse Makes History as First Female Archbishop of Canterbury

Image: The Telegraph

Dame Sarah Mullally, a former Chief Nursing Officer for England, is making history again — this time as the first woman to lead the Church of England as Archbishop of Canterbury.

At age 63, Mullally is now the most senior bishop in the Church, stepping into the role at a time of deep internal and public challenges. A familiar face to many nurses, she was once the youngest chief nursing officer in England and was made a dame in 2005 for her outstanding contributions to nursing and midwifery.

From Bedside to Bishop: A Remarkable Career Path

Dame Sarah Mullally began her professional life in nursing, training as a cancer nurse and building a career that spanned more than 35 years in the NHS. Her leadership abilities quickly became evident, and at just 37 years old, she was appointed Chief Nursing Officer for England — the youngest person to hold the position at the time. During her tenure, she advised government officials and helped shape national health policy, earning recognition across the profession.

In 2001, while still serving in her nursing role, Mullally was ordained as a priest. Three years later, she made the decision to leave her government post to pursue full-time ministry, starting as an assistant curate in Battersea, south London. In 2012, she became canon treasurer at Salisbury Cathedral, overseeing finance and fabric responsibilities.

Her rise through the ranks of the Church continued steadily. In 2015, she was appointed bishop of Crediton in the Diocese of Exeter. Just three years later, she became the Bishop of London, making her the third most senior bishop in the Church of England after the Archbishops of Canterbury and York. Now, in 2025, she steps into the most senior role of all — the Archbishop of Canterbury — becoming the first woman to do so in the Church’s nearly 500-year history.

A Nurse’s Compassion at the Heart of Leadership

Mullally has said that whether serving as a nurse or bishop, she sees her work as one continuous vocation:

“To follow Jesus Christ, to know him and to make him known, always seeking to live with compassion in the service of others.”

That commitment to compassion has shaped her leadership in both health and faith settings. Nurses may recall her time shaping national policy at the Department of Health, advising governments on nursing and midwifery before making the rare transition to church leadership.

Balancing Church Tradition and Modern Tensions

Her appointment comes as the Church of England wrestles with:

• Safeguarding failures that led to her predecessor’s resignation
  
  
• Declining church attendance post-pandemic
  
  
• Internal division over blessings for same-sex couples
  
  
• Ongoing debates around women’s roles in the Church
  
  
• Global tensions in the 85-million-member Anglican Communion

In her first speech from Canterbury Cathedral, Mullally acknowledged that while this marks “a historic moment – a joyous one for many,” the path ahead will not be simple. She emphasized her commitment to leading in a way that supports the ministry and vocation of all members of the Church, regardless of their tradition or theological stance.

A Vocal Advocate on Key Issues

Mullally has not shied away from taking a stance on national issues, often informed by her clinical and ethical background:

• Assisted dying: Strongly opposed, calling the current legislation “unworkable and unsafe”
  
  
• Abortion: Previously described herself as “pro-choice” with personal leanings closer to pro-life
  
  
• Same-sex blessings: Supported the 2023 decision to allow blessings, calling it a “moment of hope”
  
  
• Rwanda deportation policy: Publicly criticized the former government’s approach as shameful
  
  
• Antisemitism and racism: Urged the Church to stand with affected communities after a recent attack on a Manchester synagogue

What Happens Next?

Dame Sarah Mullally will formally become Archbishop of Canterbury during a legal ceremony at Canterbury Cathedral in January. A larger public enthronement service will follow later, likely attended by members of the Royal Family, senior clergy, and national leaders.

In her new role, Dame Sarah will take on several titles and responsibilities:

• Diocesan Bishop of Canterbury, overseeing the local diocese in Kent
  
  
• Primate of All England, the senior archbishop in the Church of England
  
  
• Metropolitan of the southern ecclesiastical province
  
  
• Spiritual leader of the Anglican Communion, representing 85 million Anglicans across 165 countries

She will also continue her position in the House of Lords, where she has served since 2018. Her leadership will be closely watched as she navigates critical issues facing the Church — from safeguarding reforms and declining attendance to global divisions over same-sex relationships.

A Nurse’s Leadership Legacy, Reimagined

Dame Sarah’s rise is seen by many as a defining moment — not only for women in the Church but also for those who value integrity, service, and compassion in leadership.

For nurses who remember her time as chief nurse, her new role shows how far caregiving, faith, and leadership can go — even from a hospital ward to the highest altar.

🤔Nurses, share your thoughts in the discussion forum below!