arnham vicars have welcomed the appointment of the first female archbishop of Canterbury.

Last week, the Rt Revd and Rt Hon Dame Sarah Mullally, currently bishop of London, was appointed as the head of the Anglican Church. She will be installed in a service at Canterbury Cathedral in March 2026.

Mullally brings a variety of experience to the position.

She was the first woman bishop of London, a post she has held since 2018, and before that was bishop of Crediton. Prior to her ordination in 2001, she served as the government’s chief nursing officer for England, and was the youngest person ever to take the role.

Local clergy said they were delighted to see the final glass ceiling in the church broken.

Revd Lexi Russell, 28, the youngest priest in the area and newly appointed rector of the Parish of Badshot Lea and Hale, said: “It’s marvellous that we have the first female archbishop of Canterbury; it’s a massive step forward for equal rights across the Church of England.

“My prayers are with her as she steps into this incredible task and I look forward to seeing what will happen.”

Revd Sandy Clarke, vicar of The Bourne, described the appointment as “affirming.”

“I knew her name was one that was being considered, but I didn’t think this was possible,” she said. “I had no idea this would feel so personal; I too am a 63-year-old mother of two. May she be all that we need and all that God has called her to be.”

Revd Ben Cahill-Nicholls, of Tilford, said: “Like so many others, I am delighted that Sarah Mullally is to be archbishop of Canterbury. As chief executive of Clergy Support Trust, a national charity of which Bishop Sarah is a president, I have been grateful for her support over many years.

“As a nurse, NHS leader, parish priest, cathedral canon, and bishop in both rural and urban areas, she understands well the challenges and immense opportunities facing the Church of England, and the dedicated, extraordinary people of the country and world it seeks to serve.

“I am praying for her and Eamonn, Liam and Grace as they prepare for this new chapter and new ministry, and for what I believe will be an exciting, hope-filled season for the Church of England.”

Revd Steve Green, of Rowledge, has met Bishop Sarah several times.

“She went to Woking College as a teenager and came to visit when I was a lecturer at Woking College between 2018 and 2021,” he said. “I found her very friendly and personable and I know she is competent and a good, skilled negotiator.”

Revd Richard Bodle, area dean of Farnham, added: “This is a hugely significant step in the life of the Anglican Church. It is a very challenging role, so we pray for our new archbishop as she leads and encourages us to continue sharing the love of God in our communities and beyond.”