The Bishop of London has been appointed as the next chair of Christian Aid, an international development and humanitarian charity.

Rt Rev Sarah Mullally will succeed Maggie Swinson, who is currently serving as the interim chair. Swinson took on the role after the former Archbishop of York, Lord Sentamu, resigned in 2023.

Sentamu resigned after being suspended from active ministry in the diocese of Newcastle, where he holds a position as an honorary assistant bishop, in response to his actions following a church safeguarding review.

In accepting her appointment, Bishop Sarah expressed her intention to bring her experience not only as a bishop but also as a nurse to her new role.

She said she had long admired the charity’s “steadfast commitment to combating poverty and injustice and campaigning for change”.

“This work has never been more vital than now, as the climate crisis forces us to face questions about our stewardship of creation, and violence and conflict around the world acutely undermine God’s agenda of justice and peace.

"Here in the Capital, I see first-hand the huge support from parishes and church communities for Christian Aid’s mission, which resonates with our own vision and values, as well as those of the Church of England and beyond,” she continued.

Christian Aid’s chief executive Patrick Watt said: “We are delighted to welcome Bishop Sarah as the new chair of Christian Aid.”

He concluded: “Her faith, leadership, and breadth of experience will be invaluable in helping to guide Christian Aid as we navigate a fast-changing NGO landscape, in which our work is as urgent as it’s ever been. We look forward to working with her.”