The Uniting Church celebrates with joy the first woman to serve as Archbishop of Canterbury
Uniting Church President Rev Charissa Suli extends warmest congratulations to the Church of England and the The Rt Rev Sarah Mullally, announced today the newly appointed Archbishop of Canterbury
October 3, 2025
A Statement on the appointment of the Archbishop of Canterbury-designate
Rev Charissa Suli, President of the Uniting Church in Australia
As President of the Uniting Church in Australia, I share in the joy of the worldwide church in congratulating and warmly welcoming the newly appointed Archbishop of Canterbury-designate, The Rt Revd and Rt Hon Dame Sarah Mullally DBE.
We rejoice in this historic moment: for the first time in a long history, a woman will serve as Archbishop of Canterbury. This is an affirmation of our deep and long-held belief that the gifts and call of the Holy Spirit are poured out freely, without boundary or restriction of gender, for the leadership of Christ’s church. This appointment is a powerful witness that Christ’s body cannot be whole without the love, vision, dedication, leadership and giftedness of women.
We give thanks for the many gifts Bishop Mullally will bring to this globally significant role. Her years of service in healthcare, and her Christian ministry as priest and bishop, now converge in her call to serve the whole Communion. We welcome her experience, faith, courage and compassion, trusting that these gifts will enrich the Church of England, the Anglican Church and the body of Christ across the world.
We assure Bishop Mullally of the prayers of the Uniting Church in Australia as she prepares for her enthronement next year and this new vocation of service. We pray that God will pour out upon her courage and wisdom, that she may listen deeply, lead with compassion, and call the church to grow in confidence in the Gospel of Christ.
May her ministry be a blessing to the Anglican Communion and to the whole people of God, and may she be sustained always by the Spirit’s renewing grace.
Gracious God,
we rejoice in this new way of your Spirit moving among us.
Bless Bishop Sarah Mullally as she begins this ministry.
Strengthen her in wisdom, humility and courage;
sustain her family, colleagues, and the Church of England in faith and hope.
Guide the Anglican Communion under her leadership, that your Church may be a beacon of justice, compassion, and Christ’s reconciling love to the world.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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