Announcement of the 106th Archbishop of Canterbury
We welcome the announcement of Sarah Mullally, Bishop of London, as the next Archbishop of Canterbury. Our bishops Paul Williams (Bishop of Southwell & Nottingham) and Andy Emerton (Bishop of Sherwood) invite all our churches to give thanks to God and join in praying for the Archbishop of Canterbury-designate.
Bishop Paul said, “I am holding Bishop Sarah in my prayers as she takes on this new and significant responsibility within the Church of England and across the Anglican Communion. Please pray that she will be continually sustained by knowing how deeply she is loved by God, and may have the wisdom, strength and joy in the Lord she needs for the days to come as she prepares for this new calling.“
Bishop Paul with Bishop Andy said, “We very much look forward to supporting Bishop Sarah in her ministry as Archbishop of Canterbury. There is so much to give thanks for across the ministry of all our churches in the diocese and beyond. There is also much to do as each of us continues to play our part in bringing the living hope of Jesus Christ to people everywhere, praying for peace in our world, and working with our many valued partners to care for the most vulnerable and needy.“
Sarah Mullally has been the Bishop of London since 2018, the first woman appointed to that role, and before that was Bishop of Crediton in the Diocese of Exeter. Prior to her ordination in 2001, she was the Government’s Chief Nursing Officer for England – the youngest person ever to be appointed to that role at the age of 37 – having previously specialised as a cancer nurse. Bishop Sarah has described nursing as “an opportunity to reflect the love of God”.
She will be installed in a service at Canterbury Cathedral in March 2026.