Church of England names first female archbishop of Canterbury

"The Church of England has named Sarah Mullally as the next archbishop of Canterbury, the first woman to be appointed to the Church's most senior office. Mullally, 63, will become the spiritual head of 85 million Anglicans globally, and like her predecessors will face a Communion divided over several issues, including the role of women in the Church and the acceptance of same-sex couples."

"We are witnessing hatred that rises up through fractures across our communities, Mullally said. I know that the God who is with us draws near to those who suffer. We then, as a Church, have a responsibility to be a people who stand with the Jewish community against antisemitism in all its forms. Hatred and racism of any kind cannot be allowed to tear us apart, she added."

Sarah Mullally, 63, has been named archbishop of Canterbury and will become spiritual head of about 85 million Anglicans worldwide. She inherits a Communion divided over women's roles and the acceptance of same-sex couples. Mullally replaces Justin Welby, who resigned after a child abuse cover-up scandal last year. She addressed congregants at Canterbury Cathedral, spoke of hope amid uncertainty, and emphasized following Christ and spreading his message. She condemned rising hatred and antisemitism after a deadly Manchester synagogue attack and called for the Church to stand with the Jewish community. Conservative Anglican leaders in Africa criticized her appointment, calling her teachings unbiblical and divisive.

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