First female Archbishop of Canterbury appointed

THE first woman to be named Archbishop of Canterbury has told of her joy in making history as she paid tribute to those who paved the way for the moment.

- AINE FOX, DAVID LYNCH, ABBIE LLEWELYN and GEORGE THOMPSON

Archbishop of Canterbury-designate Dame Sarah Mullally poses in the St Anselm Chapel in Canterbury Cathedral

Dame Sarah Mullally - the first female to take the role of top bishop in the Church of England - also acknowledged the challenges ahead due to the “legacy of deep harm and mistrust” she said existed because of past safeguarding failures.

She is the 106th Archbishop of Canterbury, having been chosen to succeed Justin Welby after he announced his resignation almost a year ago over failures in handling an abuse scandal.

Dame Sarah's appointment was welcomed by the King and the Prime Minister after she was chosen by a committee.

Currently Bishop of London, she will legally become Archbishop of Canterbury at a ceremony in Canterbury Cathedral in January, followed by a formal enthronement service at a later date where members of the Royal Family are likely to be present.

In her first visit as archbishop-designate, Dame Sarah attended a local church yesterday and helped pack food parcels ahead of the formal announcement.

Speaking in Canterbury Cathedral, in her first public address since being named yesterday, she noted people had spoken of “this being a historic moment and a joyous one for many”

She added: “I share with you in that joy, not for myself, but for a Church that listens to the calling of God and says, ‘yes, we will follow you”

She said she intends to “be a shepherd who enables everyone's ministry and vocation to flourish, whatever the tradition” referencing the global nature of her role in leading the Anglican Communion.