People all over the country will have rejoiced on Friday at the news of the first ever female archbishop of Canterbury. After literally centuries of women seeking to serve as leaders in the church, a woman will now hold the most senior position in the Church of England. And the news was welcomed not simply because Sarah Mullally is a woman, but because she is a wise, intelligent, courageous and compassionate leader.
Of course, some people are unhappy – either because of her sex or because of her support for the blessings of same-sex relationships. And some raise concerns about a serious safeguarding case five years ago that was not handled well on her watch by the diocese of London safeguarding team.
