The appointment of Bishop Sarah Mullally as the next spiritual leader of the global Anglican Communion has drawn mixed reactions worldwide. In Aotearoa, however, excitement and hope are brewing as the Anglican Church anticipates a renewed sense of direction.
Bishop Sarah will be officially installed as the 106th Archbishop of Canterbury in March 2026, becoming the first woman to hold this historic office.
Bishop Anne van Gend at her installation Photo credit: Anglican Taonga
Bishop Anne van Gend of the Diocese of Dunedin believes Bishop Sarah is the best person for the role—regardless of gender—and trusts the Crown Nomination Committee’s discernment.
“Obviously we don’t know who all the other candidates were, but it would be hard to imagine anyone better equipped to take on this role at a really difficult time. I think it’s incredibly exciting.”
While the appointment of Bishop Sarah has garnered criticism from some parts of the global church, and while Bishop Anne says no candidate would have had unanimous support, she sees the Archbishop-designate as a candidate who is confident in herself and has a wealth of experience inside and outside of the church.
“What they’ve done is choose someone who knows where she stands, is not afraid to say where she stands, but has already tried very hard to reach out to the people who disagree with her and build bridges of relationships there.
“To me, that is love. That is what we should be doing, not always agreeing with each other, but building caring and respectful relationships across difference. And I think she’s already shown that that’s where her heart is.”
Bishop Sarah’s early response to her calling was particularly inspirational for Bishop Anne.
“What I loved listening to in Bishop Sarah’s opening speech was how central the Gospel was and how central Jesus was. That, to me, is vital, whether you’re male or female or what part of the world you come from. That’s the centre of everything, and that needs to be our focus.”
The incoming Archbishop has previously spoken of her commitment to respecting those who hold differing views, treating them with the same compassion she extends to those who agree with her. Bishop Anne hopes and prays the Church can treat Bishop Sarah in kind.
“Give her the same grace that you would want to receive. Grace would be needed whether she was male or female, as the experience of previous archbishops shows.
“Jesus spent so much of his final prayer in the Gospel of John praying for unity. Unity requires grace and requires listening. I hope that’s what she is offered.”