The Church of England has selected Sarah Mullally as the first female leader of the Church of England, with official sources revealing the top cleric of Canterbury shortly after a year since Welby stepping down amid controversy regarding safeguarding issues.
This represents the inaugural instance an leader of the Anglican church has been appointed since the Church of England opened the episcopate to women in 2014.
The archbishop is regarded as the religious head of the Anglican church worldwide and additionally holds a role in the Lords.
The York’s archbishop Stephen Cottrell took on most of the responsibilities during the transition period, and was one of the voting members of the body charged with choosing Welby’s successor.
The Crown Nominations Commission (CNC) had to agree to the new appointment by a supermajority decision. Once decided, as per protocol, the steps entail presenting a nominee to the head of government, Keir Starmer and then forwarded to the king.
The new archbishop will not formally assume the role until a formal endorsement in January, with an enthronement service occurring subsequently, after they have paid homage to the king.
