For the first time, a woman will serve as the Archbishop of Canterbury, following the 105 men who have held the role since St. Augustine took the position in the year 597.
This means Bishop of London Sarah Mullally has broken through the Church of England’s highest stained-glass ceiling. But for many of the world’s religions, that barrier to women in top leadership remains firmly intact.
Here is a look at how high women in ministry have been able to climb in some of the major faith traditions.
Anglican Communion
As the Archbishop of Canterbury, Mullaly will also lead the Anglican Communion in her new role, which the communion describes as the first among equals. It has more than 85 million members spread across 165 countries and many still believe the Bible requires male-only leadershi