More reactions to new Archbishop of Canterbury
Daniel French The Spectator How Sarah Mullally can fix the Church of England
Paul Sutton The Critic The conservative case for Sarah Mullally
Luke Coppen The Pillar Will the new Archbishop of Canterbury impact Anglican-Catholic ties?
The Church of Scotland Church Moderator and Principal Clerk send congratulations to the next Archbishop of Canterbury
The Episcopal Church Presiding Bishop Sean Rowe congratulates new Archbishop of Canterbury
Donna Birrell Premier Christian News Abuse survivors ‘disappointed’ at Sarah Mullally’s appointment as Archbishop
Stephen Parsons Surviving Church What does the nomination of Bishop Mullally to Canterbury say about the Church of England?
Ian Paul Psephizo What challenges face Sarah Mullally as the new archbishop?
Theo Hobson Hail Sarah
Martine Oborne The Guardian The next archbishop of Canterbury has no time to waste in making change – this is what she will be up against
The Guardian Editorial The Guardian view on the first female archbishop of Canterbury: a choice that offers renewal and hope
Tim Wyatt New Statesman The first female Archbishop of Canterbury is a lifelong trailblazer
Ruth Peacock Religion Media Centre Sarah Mullaly smashed through ‘stained glass ceiling’ to become the next Archbishop of Canterbury
71 CommentsInitial Reactions to new Archbishop of Canterbury
Several items have been added during the day.
Press reports
Hattie Williams Church Times Bishop Mullally’s nomination to Canterbury welcomed by church and charity leaders
Mixed response from overseas Anglicans to Canterbury announcement
Bishop Mullally’s nomination to Canterbury welcomed by church and charity leaders
Francis Martin Church Times In the midst of chaos, acts of kindness and love are what matters, says Archbishop-designate of Canterbury
Sarah Meyrick Church Times My deep faith and working experience will help me as Archbishop, Bishop Mullally says
Madeleine Davies Church Times Profile: Who is Sarah Mullally, the next Archbishop of Canterbury?
Caroline Davies The Guardian Sarah Mullally is named as first female archbishop of Canterbury
Sarah Mullally: the former nurse who will be archbishop of Canterbury
Sky News Woman named as new Archbishop of Canterbury in historic first
Who is Sarah Mullally, the first ever female Archbishop of Canterbury?
Tim Wyatt Religion Media Centre Sarah Mullally, Archbishop of Canterbury
Religion Media Centre RMC Briefing: Courage and pastoral care – gifts of Sarah Mullaly, first female Archbishop of Canterbury
ITV News Archbishop of Canterbury: Dame Sarah Mullally becomes first woman to take on role
Muvija M Reuters UK names Mullally as first female Archbishop to lead Church of England
Anglican grouping GAFCON objects to female Archbishop of Canterbury
Franklin Nelson Financial Times Sarah Mullally named first female Archbishop of Canterbury
Archie Mitchell Independent Sarah Mullally becomes first ever female Archbishop of Canterbury
Gabriella Swerling The Telegraph Sarah Mullally appointed as first female Archbishop of Canterbury
Anglican Communion News Service The Rt Revd and Rt Hon Dame Sarah Mullally DBE to become 106th Archbishop of Canterbury
The Secretary General of the Anglican Communion shares a message of welcome to the next Archbishop of Canterbury
Christian Today Historic day for Church of England as Sarah Mullally appointed first ever female Archbishop of Canterbury
Evangelicals pray Sarah Mullally will restore Church of England to historic position on marriage and sexuality as next Archbishop of Canterbury
Craig Buchan and Michael Keohan BBC News Kent welcomes its first woman Archbishop
Aleem Maqbool and Paul Gribben BBC News Sarah Mullally named as new Archbishop of Canterbury
Lebo Diseko BBC News Conservative church group condemns choice of female Archbishop of Canterbury
Danica Kirka and Brian Melley Religion News Service Sarah Mullally named the first female Archbishop of Canterbury
Inside Croydon Former Sutton vicar to become 106th Archbishop of Canterbury
English diocesan responses
Bath & Wells, Blackburn, Bristol, Canterbury, Carlisle, Chelmsford, Chester, Chichester, Coventry, Derby, Durham, Ely, Exeter, Europe, Gloucester, Guildford, Hereford, Leeds, Leicester, Lichfield, Lincoln, London, Manchester, Newcastle, Norwich, Oxford, Peterborough, Portsmouth, Rochester, Salisbury, Southwell & Nottingham, St Albans, St Edmundsbury and Ipswich, Truro, Worcester, York
Other reactions
Jill Duff Premier Christianity Dame Sarah Mullally is the new Archbishop of Canterbury. I’m praying she’ll lead with faith, hope and love
Helen King sharedconversations White smoke day: the new Archbishop of Canterbury
Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and WalesCatholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales
Cardinal welcomes Archbishop-designate Sarah Mullally as new Archbishop of Canterbury
Vatican News Cardinal Koch congratulates Archbishop-designate of Canterbury Sarah Mullally
Forward in Faith The next Archbishop of Canterbury
The Society under the patronage of Saint Wilfrid and Saint Hilda The next Archbishop of Canterbury
Church of England Evangelical Council CEEC responds to the announcement of the next Archbishop of Canterbury
GAFCON Canterbury Appointment Abandons Anglicans
Global South Fellowship of Anglican Churches GSFA Statement on the Appointment of the Rt Revd Dame Sarah Mullally, Bishop of London, as the Archbishop of Canterbury
Melanie McDonagh The Spectator The issues that will haunt the new Archbishop of Canterbury
94 CommentsArchbishop of Canterbury
The Prime Minister’s Office has announced that the 106th Archbishop of Canterbury will be Dame Sarah Mullally, currently Bishop of London. The official website of the Archbishop of Canterbury has further information here, Canterbury diocese has this, and the Church of England this. It is expected that she will legally assume the office on 28 January 2026, with her installation or enthronement on 25 March.
Appointment of the Archbishop of Canterbury: 3 October 2025
The King has approved the nomination of The Right Reverend and Right Honourable Dame Sarah Mullally D.B.E. for election as Archbishop of Canterbury.
From: Prime Minister’s Office, 10 Downing Street
Published 3 October 2025The King has approved the nomination of The Right Reverend and Right Honourable Dame Sarah Mullally D.B.E., for election by the College of Canons of Canterbury Cathedral in the place of The Right Reverend and Right Honourable Justin Portal Welby, GCVO, as Lord Archbishop of Canterbury, Primate of All England and Metropolitan.
Lord Evans of Weardale, KCB, DL, Chair of the Crown Nominations Commission for Canterbury welcomed the news:
“It has been a great privilege to have chaired the Crown Nominations Commission as it sought to discern who God is calling to lead the Church of England and Anglican Communion as Archbishop of Canterbury. That discernment began with the public consultation, which heard the voices of thousands of people as they expressed their hopes for this nomination, and continued all the way through to the Commission’s final meeting. I would like to thank all those who took part in this process, particularly those who took time to share their views in the consultation and the members of the Commission who worked so diligently over several months, ably assisted by the Appointments Secretaries and by the Appointments and Vocations team at Lambeth Palace. I shall be praying for Bishop Sarah as she prepares to take up this new ministry in the coming months.”
Background
Sarah Mullally was, prior to ordination, the Government’s Chief Nursing Officer for England having specialised as a cancer nurse. She was educated at South Bank University, London, and Heythrop College, University of London, and trained for ministry at the South East Institute of Theological Education. She completed her title at St. Saviour Battersea Fields, in the Diocese of Southwark, and was ordained as a priest in 2002.
In 2006, Sarah was appointed Team Rector, Christ Church, Sutton, Southwark and then became Canon Residentiary and Treasurer at Salisbury Cathedral in 2012. In 2015, Sarah was consecrated as Suffragan Bishop of Crediton, in the Diocese of Exeter, and in 2018 took up her current role as Bishop of London as well as Dean of the Chapels Royal from 2019.
In a separate statement, the Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer has said
“I welcome the appointment of The Right Reverend and Right Honourable Dame Sarah Mullally D.B.E as the new Archbishop of Canterbury and the first woman to hold the role.
“The Church of England is of profound importance to this country. Its churches, cathedrals, schools, and charities are part of the fabric of our communities.
“The Archbishop of Canterbury will play a key role in our national life. I wish her every success and look forward to working together.”
Dean of Coventry to retire
The Very Reverend John Witcombe, the Dean of Coventry, has announced that he is to retire on 31 May 2026.
6 CommentsOpinion – 1 October 2025
Ian Paul in conversation with Andrew Atherstone Psephizo History, law, and individual cups at Communion
Colin Coward Unadulterated Love What if we just weren’t made for these things?
Durham University Church of England must do more to recognise dangers of spiritual authority
22 CommentsBook review: Created for Love
Created for Love
Edited by Theo Hobson and John Inge
Canterbury Press, 2025
I approached this book with some resignation. Anglicans, and contemporary Christians in general, live in a time dominated by a dialogue of the deaf when it comes to human sexuality. Conservative Christians fear that Biblical orthodoxy is being abandoned, while inclusive Christians feel that the time is well overdue to address the injustices of traditional attitudes. Any book which speaks into this debate is likely therefore to be hailed or decried by partisans according to whether their views are vindicated or attacked. Prejudgment reigns supreme. As this book is positive about the arguments for inclusion, it will not please every reader, if conservatives will even touch it with a reason other than to refute it.
It is a book which is a mix of both good and more steady theology and a thorough compendium of the arguments for change. Since it is made up of twelve short essays, arranged in six pairs, it never becomes wearisome, even if the subject matter is not as hermetically sealed as the labelling would suggest. Different sections are headed Bible, Church, Creation, Culture, Experience and Conscience, Prayer and Guidance, but in fact we never stray far from the Bible which is a reference point to which virtually all the writers gravitate.
Three bishops of the Church of England make their contributions: the bishop of Oxford, Steven Croft, the retiring bishop of Bristol, Vivienne Faull, and the newly retired bishop of Worcester, John Inge. These essays are amongst the most personal in nature, as Bishop Steven reflects on his own journey of understanding, Bishop John notes the changes of Biblical interpretation that he has witnessed, and Bishop Vivienne reflects on the lessons learned by the processes surrounding the ordination of women.
However, there is a lot of personal testimony here. Gareth Wardell speaks eloquently about his own journey coming out as a gay Christian, and the hypocrisy by which the Church makes its judgements. Barnabas Palfrey reflects on his masculinity, although perhaps readers will want to excuse or even skip his extended reflection on the significance of his own penis.
Historical exegesis is also a major theme. Olivia Graham writes on the manner in which understandings of sexual bonding have evolved and changed, Mark Chapman explores the Church’s attitude to the decriminalisation of homosexuality in the 1960s, and Theo Hobson the impact of societal change on the Church. Helen King focuses upon the revolutionary attitude of one early twentieth century campaigner for sexual liberation, Agnes Maude Royden. All these essays teach us perspective and the need to avoid facile and sweeping judgements.
Perhaps the book is strongest when it explores the possibility of new understandings of the place of marriage in the contemporary world of relationships. Charlie Bell, Miranda Threlfall-Holmes and Barnabas Palfrey all articulate a new vision of what the teaching of the Church could be like. Sam Wells is probably the most ambitious and urges Christians to abandon a soteriology based on atonement and Biblical obedience, and instead advocates for a theology centred upon relationship and an invitation into the deep and vibrant communion within God and with God.
My own favourite essays were those on the Bible. Miranda Threlfall-Holmes and Barnabas Palfrey make strong, intelligent and inspiring pitches for a view of the Biblical teaching on sex, marriage and relationships which aim to raise our vision and excite our passions rather than limit the Scriptures to the role of a legislative text. They offer a picture of the Bible which makes it worth reading — visionary, bold and transformative.
This book is hardly likely to make converts on the issue of human sexuality, but it will provide reassurance to those of an inclusive attitude that there are sound arguments from scripture, history and theology for an inclusive approach, which is not merely a sell-out to the contemporary world but richly founded within the tradition we have inherited.
Gregory K Cameron
Gregory is Bishop of St Asaph in the Church in Wales, and holds the portfolio for Faith, Order and Unity.
Created for Love can be bought through your bookshop or online here and elsewhere.
22 CommentsOpinion – 24 September 2025
Colin Coward Unadulterated Love Ken Leech Doing Theology in Altab Ali Park
Theo Hobson American theocracy?
Ian Paul Psephizo The demographic crisis in Church of England ministry
76 CommentsRole of the Bishops of Ebbsfleet and Beverley
The Church of England has issued a press release on the role of the Bishops of Ebbsfleet and Beverley; it is copied below.
Independent Reviewer examines roles of Bishops of Ebbsfleet and Beverley
23/09/2025
The Independent Reviewer, Canon Maggie Swinson, is recommending extra support for two bishops who provide extended episcopal oversight to parishes with a conservative stance on the ordination of women.
In a report published today, Canon Swinson explores the workload and geographical spread of the ministries of the Bishop of Beverley, Stephen Race, and the Bishop of Ebbsfleet, Rob Munro.
Bishop Stephen – one of the Church of England’s Provincial Episcopal Visitors (PEVs) – is responsible for providing extended episcopal oversight to traditional catholic parishes across the North of England.
The report notes that the number of parishes under his remit increased following the retirement of the former Bishop of Wakefield, who had previously provided oversight to a number of traditional catholic churches in Yorkshire.
Bishop Rob serves complementarian evangelical congregations across the whole of England singlehandedly. The report notes that he has not only seen an increase over time in the number of parishes formally under his care, but that he also provides informal support to some others.
Canon Swinson notes that, as well as having more parishes under their care than many other bishops, the two bishops also travel much greater distances and the report explores the particular pastoral challenges of such a dispersed ministry.
She also notes that, unlike the PEVs who provide cover for each other in some cases, Bishop Rob currently has no one who can deputise for him.
Canon Swinson concludes that both bishops need extra support. She recommends that, as an interim measure, they could receive support with work which does not need to be carried out by a bishop, while longer term solutions are found.
- Read the full report here: House of Bishops’ Declaration on the Ministry of Bishops and Priests Review of ministry capacity of the Bishops of Beverley and Ebbsfleet
- The role of the Independent Reviewer was established under the House of Bishops’ Declaration on the Ministry of Bishops and Priests, drawn up in 2014 ahead of legislation paving the way for the consecration of women as bishops.
- The declaration, and the accompanying Five Guiding Principles, set out the arrangements for parishes that seek the priestly or episcopal ministry of men on grounds of theological conviction.
- The Independent Reviewer operates as ombudsman-style role, ruling on concerns and disputes over the operation of the declaration.
Opinion – 20 September 2025
Kelvin Holdsworth What is in Kelvin’s Head? We are not stewards
Ian Paul Psephizo Money, sex, and power: Will the next archbishop save the Church of England?
Francis Martin Church Times What are the most pressing issues facing the next Archbishop of Canterbury?
Madeleine Davies Church Times Church of England is in need of a structural survey
67 CommentsOpinion – 17 September 2025
Colin Coward Unadulterated Love Eighty years on – living creatively and optimistically in decadent times
Anon Surviving Church “As though they were gods…..”
31 CommentsLLF Autumn Update
The Church of England has published LLF Autumn Update: Preparing for Key Decisions. It starts
This Autumn, the House of Bishops will meet to consider further proposals on LLF, with a view to reporting their progress back to the meeting of the General Synod in February 2026. Extensive theological work by the Faith and Order Commission (FAOC) will be available to inform the bishops in their decision making. This includes advice on the nature of doctrine and how it develops, the text and context of the Prayers of Love and Faith, and the exemplarity of clergy life. In order to assist the bishops in their discernment, feedback received from the informal diocesan consultations will also be considered.
and continues with
- Key Dates
- What is Happening now?
- What is Being Prepared?
- FAQ.
Opinion – 13 September 2025
Rosalind Rutherford Women and the Church Bread and Stones
Colin Coward Unadulterated Love Tricksters versus magicians The state of the House of Bishops and worship in local churches
Kelvin Holdsworth What is in Kelvin’s Head? Listening to the Quiet Revival
94 CommentsOpinion – 6 September 2025
Tim Wyatt The Critical Friend Make or break
“Is the upcoming appointment of a new Archbishop of Canterbury the last chance saloon for the C of E to save itself?”
Stephen Parsons Surviving Church Learning Lessons from the Rise and Fall of the Nine O’Clock Service
Helen King sharedconversations Is there a quorum in the House of Bishops?
75 CommentsHouse of Survivors statement re Kennedys Law
House of Survivors has issued this statement on 3 September:
House of Survivors Statement
The recent Kennedys data breach has thrown many questions into the air for survivors, not least how will the law firm lead the Redress Scheme whilst at the same time fend off dozens of civil claims from the same group of people. This incident affects women and men who have already endured profound injustice and lifelong impact at the hands of the Church, and is a painful violation of trust and safety we had a right to expect. It also puts trust in the Redress Scheme into question for all Church of England context survivors.
House of Survivors’ view is that Kennedys will need to grasp the nettle and take the initiative – and offer the data breach survivors a fair compensation veering on the side of quantum generosity. It will save much time and anxiety, save Kennedys much in legal fees, avoid additional stress for the men and women affected when trust is low and tension is high. It will also enable Kennedys to claw back vital reputational ground. They will need to work imaginatively, probably outside of their usual playbook, and ahead of the Redress Scheme starting. We hope Kennedys might be keen to seize the moment as the loss to their business is likely to grow the longer they leave it. There will be some survivors who will wish to make civil claims through various law firms and clearly everyone needs to have the freedom to do this if they wish. That is everyone’s right. But in our view a proactive move by Kennedys will be the smart thing for the law firm to do.
Our biggest fear is that this mess left unaddressed will cause the Redress Scheme to be delayed – especially if the Church has to reconvene the Redress Scheme board to negotiate with new law firms. This could see the Scheme delayed by another one to two years. We suspect some in the hierarchy, particularly those who control Archbishops Council, may be privately hoping the whole thing will collapse and they can blame Kennedys. House of Survivors reminds those people that the reputational fallout will impact the Church just as greatly. We urge the Church to work with Kennedys to reassure all survivors that the Scheme is going ahead, will be closely monitored by an oversight committee with survivor input, and that both Kennedys and the Church will seek quickly and proactively to put things back on track.
House of Survivors
3 Sept 2025
Bishop of Warrington resigns
In a short item on the Liverpool diocesan website it has been announced that the Rt Revd Beverley Mason is to resign as suffragan Bishop of Warrington.
The Rt Revd Beverley A Mason has resigned as suffragan Bishop of Warrington in the Diocese of Liverpool. This will take effect from 1st October 2025.
The Rt Revd Ruth Worsley, Interim Bishop of Liverpool says:
‘It is with heavy hearts we receive this news today. We are thankful for all that Bishop Bev has given in her ministry among us here in the Liverpool diocese. She goes with our love and prayers for the future.’Bishop Bev has written a letter to the people of the Diocese which can be read here
The letter is copied below.
We have covered earlier aspects of this story here and here.
50 CommentsOpinion – 3 September 2025
David Torrance House of Commons Library What is the Ecclesiastical Committee?
Colin Coward Unadulterated Love The Evolution or Regression of the Church of England
Scarlet Cassock “All the money’s gone — must be the choir’s fault”
[This is part 2; part 1 was published in July.]
Bishop of Oxford An Open Letter to Nigel Farage
38 CommentsHouse of Bishops minutes – 20-22 May 2025
The minutes of the May 2025 meeting of the Church of England’s House of Bishops are now available.
Although they are dated 18 June at the end, the internal file attributes have today’s date (1 Sept 2025).
There was a meeting in July, with an agenda and a press release, but, as yet, no minutes. The next meeting of the House is scheduled for 6-8 October.
Earlier minutes are online here.
16 CommentsOpinion – 30 August 2025
Colin Coward Unadulterated Love Are Charismatic Evangelical Anglican churches becoming more welcoming and open to LGBTQIA+ people?
Jonathan Surviving Church Three Years On after a NDA: Lessons Learnt
Archdruid Eileen The Beaker Folk of Husborne Crawley Re-envisioning the Midsomer Benefice
78 CommentsCathedral Statistics 2024
The Church of England has released its Cathedral Statistics 2024. There is an accompanying press release which is copied below. Statistics for earlier years may be found here.
Cathedral statistics show continued growth in 2024
28/08/2025
The Church of England’s latest cathedral statistics show continued growth in 2024, with weekly attendance rising to 31,900, an increase of eleven per cent compared to 2023. The rise was driven particularly by midweek services, which saw a 15 per cent increase in adult attendance and a 16 per cent increase in child attendance, although still lower than the pre-pandemic figure. (more…)
5 CommentsSuffragan Bishop of Basingstoke
The Prime Minister’s Office has annnounced that the next Bishop of Basingstoke in the diocese of Winchester will be the Ven Kelly Anne Betteridge, currently Archdeacon of Bodmin. The Winchester website carries a press release New Bishop of Basingstoke Announced by Downing Street while Truro has Archdeacon Kelly named as new Bishop.
31 CommentsSuffragan Bishop of Basingstoke: 28 August 2025
The King has approved the nomination of the Venerable Kelly Anne Betteridge BA, MA, to the Suffragan See of Basingstoke, in the Diocese of Winchester.
From: Prime Minister’s Office, 10 Downing Street
Published 28 August 2025The King has approved the nomination of the Venerable Kelly Anne Betteridge BA, MA, Archdeacon of Bodmin in the Diocese of Truro, to the Suffragan See of Basingstoke in the Diocese of Winchester, in succession to the Right Reverend David Williams BSc, following his translation to the See of Truro.
Kelly was educated at Roehampton Institute, gaining a degree in Education and Theology in 1992. She served as a youth and children’s worker in parishes in the Dioceses of Guildford and of Oxford and then as a ministry specialist working with the Church Pastoral Aid Society (CPAS), involved in training and consultancy work with leaders, writing resources and shaping policy relating to children’s ministry.
Kelly trained for ministry at Queen’s College, Birmingham, gaining an MA in Applied Theological Studies. She served her title across the three parishes of St. Nicolas, Nuneaton with St. James, Weddington, and St. Theobold and St. Chad, Caldecote, in the Diocese of Coventry. She was ordained Priest in 2011 and was subsequently appointed Vicar of St. Nicolas and Priest in Charge of St. James and St. Theobold and St. Chad in 2014.
In 2021 Kelly took up her current role as Archdeacon of Bodmin and a Director of Intergenerational Church, in the Diocese of Truro, supporting deaneries to implement plans for sustainability and flourishing, working with leaders (lay and ordained) to embed new patterns of ministry and, promoting intergenerational approaches to church life.