Sarah Mullally has been appointed the new archbishop of Canterbury, the first time a woman has been named leader of the Church of England in the 1400-year history of the role.

Mullally also becomes the ceremonial head of some 85 million Anglicans worldwide, with the appointment of a woman risking deeper theological divides with some of the more conservative branches of the church in African nations.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer welcomed the appointment of Mullally to the role and wished her success.

“The Church of England is of profound importance to this country,” Starmer said. “Its churches, cathedrals, schools, and charities are part of the fabric of our communities. The archbishop of Canterbury will play a key role in our national life.”

She will replace former archbishop Ju

See Full Page