In a groundbreaking ceremony held at St Paul’s Cathedral, Sarah Mullally was officially confirmed as the 106th Archbishop of Canterbury, making history as the first woman to assume this prestigious role within the Church of England. As she steps into her new position, Mullally has pledged to tackle issues of misogyny head-on, all while facing scrutiny regarding her record on safeguarding within the church.
A Commitment to Address Misogyny
During her confirmation service, Mullally, a former chief nurse and Bishop of London, expressed her determination to confront misogyny, both inside and outside the church. “It is fair to say that I have, both in my secular role as well as in the church, experienced misogyny at times,” she stated. She emphasised the necessity of discussing these issues openly, particularly for those who might lack the power or platform to voice their concerns.
Mullally acknowledged that her appointment could be challenging for some within the Anglican community. “What I hope to do is to provide a space where I can offer hospitality to people, listen to their concerns, and find a way for us to partner together,” she noted.
Global Reactions to the Appointment
While Mullally’s confirmation marks a significant milestone for gender representation in the Church, it has not been without controversy. Leaders from several African Anglican churches have expressed their disapproval. Henry Ndukuba, the Archbishop of the Church of Nigeria, remarked that her appointment is “insensitive to the conviction of the majority of Anglicans who are unable to embrace female headship in the episcopate.” Similarly, Laurent Mbanda, the Archbishop of Rwanda, reiterated the belief among many in the Anglican Communion that scripture mandates a male-only episcopacy.
Navigating Complex Issues Within the Church
Mullally’s views on inclusivity extend to her support for same-sex blessings within the church, although she has been cautious in her new role regarding her stance on blessing services for same-sex couples. “As the Archbishop of Canterbury, I see my role at the moment is to listen to what synod has to say about that,” she explained, recognising the range of opinions that exist on this contentious issue.
Additionally, Mullally has committed to being transparent about her safeguarding record. Her predecessor, Justin Welby, resigned amid a safeguarding scandal that raised serious questions about the Church’s handling of abuse allegations. Earlier this month, a complaint against Mullally was dismissed, but the complainant intends to appeal, alleging that Mullally’s actions as Bishop of London compromised safeguarding protocols. The House of Survivors, an organisation supporting victims of church abuse, has called for a thorough review of safeguarding practices, stating it is “bewildering” that Mullally can move forward while significant concerns remain unaddressed.
Why it Matters
Mullally’s appointment as the first female Archbishop of Canterbury is a historic moment that not only challenges traditional gender roles within the Anglican Church but also brings to the forefront pressing issues such as misogyny and safeguarding. Her leadership will be closely monitored, particularly as she navigates the complexities of gender and sexuality within a deeply divided church. As she embarks on this pivotal journey, her ability to foster dialogue and address contentious issues will be crucial in shaping the future of the Church of England and its global community.
