Church of England to have its 1st female leader

Sarah Mullally was appointed as the new Archbishop of Canterbury on Friday, becoming the first woman to lead the Church of England in the 1,400-year history of the role, Euronews writes.

Mullally, 63, also becomes the ceremonial head of some 85 million Anglicans worldwide.

GAFCON, a grouping of conservative Anglican churches across Africa and Asia, immediately criticised Mullally’s appointment, saying it showed that the English arm of the Church had “relinquished its authority to lead”.

Mullally, who has served as Bishop of London since 2018, has previously championed several liberal causes within the Church, including allowing blessings for same-sex couples in civil partnerships and marriages.