3 October 2025
Downing Street has today announced that the Rt Revd and Rt Hon Dame Sarah Mullally DBE is to be the next Archbishop of Canterbury.
Commenting on the announcement the Bishop of Chelmsford, the Rt Revd Dr Guli Francis-Dehqani said:
“I am delighted that Bishop Sarah has been nominated to be the next Archbishop of Canterbury. I know her as a colleague and a friend in the House of Bishops and have seen first-hand the many gifts she will bring to the Church and the communities and people we serve, across our nation and the Anglican Communion.
“This is also a hugely significant moment, because Bishop Sarah will be the first woman to serve as Archbishop of Canterbury, which is something I am delighted about.
“We live in a time of extraordinary uncertainty with many great challenges, as well as many opportunities to witness to the love of God. We are blessed that God has called Bishop Sarah to serve as Archbishop of Canterbury at this time and I know that people across the Diocese of Chelmsford will be joining me in praying for her as she prepares for her new ministry.”
