Church of England installs first female archbishop at Canterbury

The Anglican Communion includes around 85 million people in 160 countries, including Episcopalians in the U.S.

Published: March 26, 2026 5:37am

Updated: March 26, 2026 8:45am

The Church of England has installed a woman as its leader for the first time.

Sarah Mullally is now the 106th Archbishop of Canterbury, the first woman to hold that position. The Church of England was founded in 1534, but the installation ceremony in Canterbury dates back more than 1,400 years. 

In addition to serving as senior bishop and the symbolic leader of the Church of England, Archbishop Mullally also becomes the most prominent figure in the worldwide Anglican Communion, which includes Episcopalians in the U.S.

All told, the Anglican Communion includes around 85 million people in 160 countries. 

The 90-minute installation ceremony was attended by the Prince and Princess of Wales and by U.K. Prime Minister Kier Starmar. 

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