First woman leader of the Church of England confirmed in ancient ceremony

Sarah Mullally was officially confirmed as the first woman Archbishop of Canterbury at St Paul's Cathedral in the ancient Confirmation of Election; she will be enthroned at Canterbury Cathedral in March and begin her public ministry then.

Sarah Mullally was officially confirmed as the first woman to lead the Church of England as Archbishop of Canterbury in a traditional ceremony at St Paul's Cathedral in London. The service combined the legal Confirmation of Election with a church service and used wording rooted in medieval canon law. The event brought together bishops, clergy, schoolchildren and choirs and included music and readings that reflected the global Anglican Communion. Key facts: - Sarah Mullally was confirmed at St Paul's Cathedral in the Confirmation of Election, the legal ceremony by which an archbishop-elect assumes office. - St Paul's was converted into a court for the ceremony and Mullally took an oath before senior bishops acting as Royal Commissioners under the authority of King Charles. - She will serve as spiritual head for about 85 million Christians across 165 countries in the global Anglican Communion. - The service included diverse music and readings, from an anthem by Edward Elgar to a South African Xhosa chant and a bilingual English-Portuguese reading. - Mullally was formerly England's Chief Nursing Officer and was named in October to replace Justin Welby. - Her appointment drew criticism from some conservatives who oppose women's ordination and she also faces questions at home over past safeguarding failures. Summary: The confirmation completed the legal step enabling Mullally to assume the office of Archbishop of Canterbury under long-standing church practice. She will be enthroned at Canterbury Cathedral in March, when she is scheduled to preach her first sermon and formally begin her public ministry.