In a historic move, Dame Sarah Mullally has been appointed as the first female Archbishop of Canterbury, marking a significant milestone for the Church of England and the global Anglican Communion. Her appointment, announced on Friday, has sparked both celebration and controversy within the religious community. In her inaugural address, Dame Sarah emphasized unity, quoting, ‘If you want to go fast, go alone – if you want to go far, go together.’ However, her selection has deepened existing divisions, particularly among conservative factions. The Global Fellowship of Confessing Anglicans (Gafcon), a network of conservative churches primarily in Africa and Asia, expressed ‘sorrow’ over the decision, citing theological objections to female leadership and same-sex blessings. Conversely, the Church of Southern Africa hailed the appointment as ‘historic,’ reflecting a broader liberal shift within the Church of England. The Anglican Communion has long been divided over issues such as the ordination of women bishops and the acceptance of same-sex relationships, with conservative leaders like Archbishop Laurent Mbanda of Rwanda arguing that ‘the majority of the Anglican Communion still believes in a male-only episcopacy.’ Despite these tensions, progressive voices, including Bishop Emily Onyango of Kenya, have welcomed Dame Sarah’s leadership, describing it as ‘a new dawn’ for the Church. As the first woman to hold this prestigious role, Dame Sarah faces the dual challenge of fostering unity and addressing pressing social issues, particularly in Africa, where women and children continue to suffer. Her leadership will undoubtedly shape the future of the Anglican Communion, as it navigates its complex and evolving identity.