A Historic Moment for the Anglican Communion

The Church of England announced that Bishop Sarah Mullally, the Bishop of London, has been nominated to serve as the 106th Archbishop of Canterbury. When she is installed at Canterbury Cathedral, Bishop Sarah will be the first woman ever to hold the office in the Church’s 1,500-year history.

The Archbishop of Canterbury is the most senior bishop in the Church of England and serves as first among equals for the Anglican Communion–a worldwide body of 85 million members across 165 countries. In addition to her leadership in the Church, the Archbishop is also one of the Lords Spiritual in the British House of Lords.

Bishop Sarah is no stranger to ‘firsts.’ She was the first woman to serve as Bishop of London, one of the most senior positions in the Church of England, and before entering ordained ministry, she was the youngest Chief Nursing Officer ever appointed in England. Her career has consistently been marked by faithful service, pastoral listening, and a commitment to healing.

Bishop Susan Brown Snook said, “I am delighted at the appointment of Bishop Sarah Mullally as the new Archbishop of Canterbury. In addition to her solid reputation as a faithful and inspiring church leader, Bishop Sarah has the distinction of serving as the first woman Archbishop of Canterbury. It is heartwarming to see this kind of affirmation of the ministry of ordained women at all levels of the church.”

For Bishop Susan, this historic step recalls the election of Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori as Presiding Bishop of The Episcopal Church in 2006:

“I was a young priest then, and I recall feeling astonished and gratified that her election affirmed my own calling as an ordained woman. I felt that her election signified that my church was taking my ministry seriously. Years later, the appointment of the first woman Archbishop of Canterbury leads me to give thanks that the ministry of women is now recognized and affirmed at the very top levels of our worldwide communion of faith.”

At the same time, Bishop Susan acknowledged the challenges Bishop Sarah will face as she steps into this historic role.

“Former Archbishop Justin Welby resigned under a shadow, and Archbishop Sarah will need to address the lingering hurts and conflicts from that situation. In addition, there is a movement underfoot to reduce the power and influence of the Archbishop of Canterbury while increasing the power of the Primates of the 42-member churches of the Anglican Communion. I do not regard this as a helpful move for our church, and I recognize that the new Archbishop enters her role at a time when the Anglican Communion is fractured and conflicted. I pray that Archbishop Sarah will be able to bring her considerable gifts to bear in bringing unity and a sense of common mission to the Anglican Communion.”

As we mark this historic moment for the Anglican Communion, let us remember our call to hold one another in prayer. Let us pray for Archbishop-designate Sarah Mullally as she prepares for this new ministry, that God may grant her wisdom, courage, and grace. Let us also lift up the Anglican Communion, that we may grow in unity and faithful witness to Christ’s love. And let us pray for our own Episcopal Church, that we may continue to affirm the ministries of all God’s people and live into the courageous love to which Christ calls us.