SAFEGUARDING IMPROVEMENTS NEEDED
The Church of England has been without a leader since last November when Justin Welby resigned over a child abuse cover-up scandal, and Mullally said she would focus on improvements in that area.
“My commitment will be to ensure that we continue to listen to survivors, care for the vulnerable, and foster a culture of safety and well-being for all,” she said.
Linda Woodhead, professor of theology and religious studies at King’s College London, said Mullally’s strong management skills were needed to help address safeguarding issues.
“Her emphasis on unity, gentleness and strength is exactly what the church, and nation, needs right now,” she said.
“IT’S ALL ABOUT PEOPLE”
Mullally is a former cancer nurse who worked as England’s Chief Nursing Officer in the early 2000s, while also being ordained as a priest in 2002. She became one of the first women to be consecrated as a bishop in the Church of England in 2015.
“There are great commonalities between nursing and being a priest. It’s all about people, and sitting with people during the most difficult times in their lives,” she once told a magazine.
She has advocated for creating an open and transparent culture in churches which allows for difference and disagreement, and has spoken on issues including the cost-of-living crisis, healthcare, and social justice.
Mullally is married to Eamonn and has two adult children.
PM STARMER WISHES HER “EVERY SUCCESS”
Reflecting the Church of England’s status as England’s established church, Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s office announced Mullally’s appointment on Friday with the formal consent of King Charles.
“The Archbishop of Canterbury will play a key role in our national life. I wish her every success and look forward to working together,” Starmer said in a statement.
As monarch, Charles is the Supreme Governor of the Church of England, a role established in the 16th century when King Henry VIII broke from the Catholic Church.
Source: CNA
