His Majesty the King (King Charles III) approved the nomination of Bishop Mullally by the Crown Nominations Commission for Canterbury, and the appointment was announced on 3 October 2025 by the office of the UK Prime Minister. Bishop Mullally will be the 106th Archbishop of Canterbury and the first woman to hold the office. She will lead the Church of England and become the most senior bishop in the worldwide Anglican Communion.
General Buckingham recognised the nomination’s approval in a letter to Bishop Mullally, written on behalf of members and employees of The Salvation Army throughout the world.
The General congratulated Bishop Mullally and shared: ‘As the first woman to hold this office, this is a momentous milestone for the Church and for the world.
‘I join countless others around the world in my gratitude that you accepted God’s calling long ago... I have every confidence that his wisdom and providence will continue to be yours as you take on this new ministry.’
General Buckingham concluded his letter by writing: ‘Be assured of the prayers of myself and the worldwide Salvation Army as you prepare to transition to your new responsibilities.’
Her Confirmation of Election will be held at St Paul’s Cathedral in London, UK in January 2026, and Bishop Mullally will be installed as Archbishop of Canterbury at Canterbury Cathedral in Kent, UK in March 2026.
Prior to Bishop Mullally’s ordination to the priesthood in 2001, she was the UK Government’s Chief Nursing Officer for England – the youngest person ever to be appointed to that role at the age of 37. She has described nursing as ‘an opportunity to reflect the love of God’. She is married to Eamonn and they have two children.
