From Bedside to Canterbury: Former Nurse Dame Sarah Mullally Becomes First Female Archbishop
October 3, 2025 | Fellow Nurses Africa
In a historic milestone that celebrates the boundless potential of nurses, Dame Sarah Mullally, a former nurse and England’s Chief Nursing Officer, has been named the 106th Archbishop of Canterbury—the first woman to lead the Church of England in its 1,400-year history. Announced on October 3, 2025, by Downing Street, this appointment is a beacon of inspiration for nurses across Africa and beyond, showcasing how compassion and leadership can transform lives on a global stage.
A Journey Rooted in Nursing
Born in 1962 in Woking, Surrey, Dame Sarah Mullally began her career as a cancer nurse in the UK’s National Health Service (NHS). Her dedication to patient care led her to become England’s youngest Chief Nursing Officer in 1999 at age 37, serving until 2004. Her transformative contributions to nursing and midwifery earned her a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire title in 2005.
Guided by a deep spiritual calling, Dame Sarah pursued theological studies while leading in the NHS. Ordained as a deacon in 2001 and a priest in 2002, she served in roles such as assistant curate in Battersea and Bishop of Crediton before becoming the first female Bishop of London in 2018. Now, as Archbishop-designate, she will lead the 85-million-strong Anglican Communion starting in March 2026.
Inspiring Nurses Worldwide
Dame Sarah’s extraordinary journey from bedside to Canterbury resonates deeply with nurses, particularly in Africa, where they often serve as the heart of healthcare systems. Her story highlights how nursing’s core values—empathy, resilience, and service—equip individuals for leadership in any arena.
“Nursing taught me to listen with care and serve with humility,”
she said.
“These principles guide my ministry to foster hope and healing.”
The Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) celebrated her achievement, with Chair Ron Barclay-Smith stating, “Dame Sarah’s historic appointment as the first female Archbishop of Canterbury reflects the compassion and leadership at the core of nursing.” Her milestone inspires nurses to see their work as a foundation for extraordinary impact.
A Call to Dream Big
For nurses in rural clinics, urban hospitals, or community settings, Dame Sarah’s rise is a powerful reminder that their skills can lead to unexpected heights. Her appointment underscores the global influence of nursing, encouraging professionals to embrace their potential to shape the future.
Fellow Nurses Africa invites you to join in celebrating this moment. Share your stories of nursing leadership with #NursesLead, and let’s inspire one another to dream big. Congratulations, Dame Sarah Mullally—your journey from bedside to Canterbury lights the way for nurses worldwide.
Fellow Nurses Africa is the independent voice of African nursing, we educate, inform and support nurses across Africa
