Tsering Dhundup
DHARAMSHALA, Oct. 6: Foremost Buddhist leader His Holiness the Dalai Lama has extended his warm congratulations to Dame Sarah Mullally, currently Bishop of London, on her appointment as the next Archbishop of Canterbury. In a letter dated October 4, he praised her historic designation, noting that she will become the first woman to lead the Anglican Church in its centuries-long history.
The Tibetan spiritual leader highlighted the crucial role of religious leaders in today’s world, where “basic human values are being challenged.” He emphasised that all faiths counsel forgiveness, patience, and compassion — qualities that should be shared more widely in public life. “I am very happy to note that you will be the first female leader of the Anglican Church,” the Dalai Lama wrote, adding that women are often more sensitive to the feelings of others.
He expressed his conviction that greater female leadership would help create “a more understanding, peaceful place.” He concluded his message with prayers and good wishes for Mullally’s new role.
Dame Sarah Mullally, born in 1962, has served as Bishop of London since 2018, becoming the first woman to hold the post. She is also a member of the UK’s House of Lords and the Privy Council. Before entering the priesthood, she built a distinguished career in healthcare, rising to become the youngest Chief Nursing Officer for England in 1999 at the age of 37. For her services to nursing and midwifery, she was appointed Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire (DBE) in 2005. Ordained in 2001, she went on to hold a series of senior roles in the Church of England, including Rector in Sutton, Canon Treasurer at Salisbury Cathedral, and Bishop of Crediton, before her appointment as Bishop of London.
Her appointment as the 106th Archbishop of Canterbury was formally announced on 3 October 2025, following the resignation of Archbishop Justin Welby earlier this year. Mullally is set to assume office officially in January 2026. She will be the spiritual head of the Church of England and the symbolic leader of the worldwide Anglican Communion, which has more than 85 million members across 165 countries.
