His Majesty The King has approved the nomination of the Bishop of London, the Rt Revd and Rt Hon Dame Sarah Mullally, as the next Archbishop of Canterbury, Downing Street has announced [on Friday 3rd October 2025].

Bishop Robert [Innes of the Diocese in Europe] said:

"I am delighted that the Crown Nominations Commission has come to the conclusion of a careful and thorough process and agreed on such an inspired choice of candidate. The selection of a woman for Canterbury will be of particular encouragement to the women in our diocese.

I have known and worked with Bishop Sarah for many years in the House of Bishops, and I believe she has the qualities and gifts our Church needs at this time. She has presided effectively over one of our largest and most complex dioceses, and I have been particularly impressed by her care for all in our communities across a wide range of backgrounds and traditions.

I wish Sarah every blessing in her new role. May God grant her courage, wisdom and strength for all that lies ahead in this huge responsibility.

Please hold Bishop Sarah in your prayers."

The 106th Archbishop of Canterbury since Saint Augustine arrived in Kent from Rome in 597, Bishop Sarah will be the first woman to hold the office.

She will be installed in a service at Canterbury Cathedral in March 2026.

www.europe.anglican.org/news/latest-news/next-archbishop-canterbury-announced