🔗 Share this article Dame Sarah Mullally Appointed as First Woman Leader of the Church of England Dame Sarah Mullally has been appointed as the inaugural woman leader of the Church of England, with Downing Street announcing the top cleric of Canterbury almost twelve months following Welby stepping down over the handling of a safeguarding scandal. This marks the first time 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 spiritual leader of the Anglican church all over the world and also possesses a seat in the House of Lords. The archbishop of York, Stephen Cottrell took on most of the responsibilities temporarily, and was one of the voting members of the committee tasked with appointing Welby’s successor. The Crown Nominations Commission (CNC) had to approve the selection by a supermajority decision. Once decided, as per protocol, the procedure includes submitting a name to the head of government, Keir Starmer and then forwarded to the king. She will not officially begin the role until a confirmation of election in January, with an installation ceremony taking place later, after allegiance is sworn to the sovereign.