Dame Sarah Mullally is to be formally elected as the 106th Archbishop of Canterbury in a centuries-old ceremony marking another historic step towards becoming the Church of England’s most senior bishop.
She was named in October as the first woman chosen for the role, and previously said in a statement that she hopes to “encourage the Church to continue to grow in confidence in the gospel, to speak of the love that we find in Jesus Christ and for it to shape our actions”.
The College of Canons has met in Canterbury Cathedral’s medieval Chapter House to carry out the election, a Reformation-era formality that issues a sealed certificate to the King confirming the decision.
Public declarations will also be displayed at the cathedral, and Letters Patent will be issued in the King’s name, confirming the election.
Dame Sarah has not attended the ceremony and will remain Bishop of London until the Confirmation of Election takes place on 28th January 2026 at St Paul’s Cathedral.
Dame Sarah met the King at Buckingham Palace on Thursday in what is thought to have been their first official meeting since she was named Archbishop of Canterbury-designate in October.
Her enthronement has been scheduled for 25th March 2026.