Here you can read about the process of appointing the 106th Archbishop of Canterbury.
An extensive public consultation took place which included people who live and work across our diocese.
The Diocese of Canterbury Vacancy in See Committee finalised the Statement of Needs and elected three representatives to the Crown Nominations Commission from its members.
The Crown Nominations Commission nominated the name of the preferred candidate to the Prime Minister, who submitted the name to The King for approval. The appointment of Sarah Mullally as Archbishop of Canterbury Designate was announced by 10 Downing Street at 10am on Friday 3 October 2025.
The College of Canons at Canterbury Cathedral formally elects the Archbishop. The election of Bishop Sarah Mullally to be the 106th Archbishop of Canterbury will take place on Tuesday 25 November 2025. This will be followed by Choral Evensong at 5.30pm. All are welcome to join us for Evensong as we pray for Sarah’s ministry and service in the Diocese of Canterbury, the Church of England and across the Anglican Communion (please note that Bishop Sarah will not be present on the day). Following the election, Bishop Sarah will be known as the Archbishop of Canterbury-elect, although she will remain the Bishop of London until her Confirmation of Election.
A legal ceremony, the Confirmation of Election marks the official date on which the new Archbishop takes up office. The Archbishop pays Homage to His Majesty, The King as Supreme Governor of the Church of England. This will take place in January 2026 at St Paul’s Cathedral in London, at which Bishop Sarah will legally become the Archbishop of Canterbury.
The Installation of the 106th Archbishop of Canterbury will take place at Canterbury Cathedral on Wednesday 25 March 2026, the Feast of the Annunciation. The Installation (sometimes referred to as an ‘enthronement’) denotes and marks the start of the new Archbishop of Canterbury’s ministry.