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Throughout the nation, many welcomed the selection of the pioneering woman archbishop of the Church of England. Following ages of female members seeking for positions of authority within the religious institution, a woman will now occupy the highest position in the Church of England. This appointment was embraced not only because the candidate is a woman, but due to the fact she is widely regarded as a wise, intelligent, courageous, and caring leader.

Opposition and Issues

Of course, some groups expressed displeasure—either due to her sex or owing to her endorsement for the blessing of same-sex relationships. Additionally, some pointed out concerns about a serious safeguarding incident five years ago that was mismanaged by her team in the regional church body of London.

Still, the bishop—while rather small in stature—has broad shoulders, which she will need. She endured seven years as senior clergy of the capital, encompassing one of the most polarised regions in the nation regarding female priests and bishops. Sources suggest that 20% of churches in London have adopted resolutions to restrict women from leading congregations or blessing the bread and wine. She has encountered sexist actions: in February, at the General Synod, she broke down in tears while recalling the many micro-aggressions she has experienced. I would guess that a few of those incidents were far from minor.

Challenges in Leadership

As archbishop of Canterbury, Bishop Sarah will lead a church that is open to women being clergy, but at the same time, there are multiple serving senior clergy who accept her as their new leader but decline to take Eucharist from her. In addition, a senior clergy member rejects the idea that women should be in leadership over men in the church. According to data, around six hundred churches still limit women, where she might not be able to lead the Eucharist or preach.

In her global role as leader of the Anglican communion—including 85 million members in more than 165 countries—Bishop Sarah will also face difficulties due to her sex. Although the majority of regions in the Anglican communion do ordain female priests and bishops, a few do not. Her stance on same-sex relations—she supports permitting clergy to bless gay unions, if they agree—is also opposed by some. Major and powerful factions within the Anglican Church and global community oppose this. A conservative network, a group of traditionalist congregations, has publicly announced that it receives the appointment of Bishop Sarah’s selection negatively.

Future Prospects

So, what lies ahead?

By the time she is enthroned as senior bishop in March next year, there will be just a limited time before she is expected to retire at age 70. There is nonetheless much that can be accomplished in that time. To do that, I believe she will need to show guidance that guides the church in a defined path. Historically, the primary goal has been cohesion, and those in charge have gone round in circles to agree with everyone—despite established procedures for resolving disputes through prayerful debates and votes at General Synod.

This has led to a point where additional bishops are assigned solely for congregations who do not accept women in leadership. The risk will be to ask for further alternative episcopal oversight on additional matters, such as LGBT rites. However this direction will lead to further division and more people being unable to give or receive the Eucharist together—something that is at the very heart of the essence to be a church. Demonstrating the courage to follow due process, take decisions, and avoid making complex and costly provision for those who don’t win the vote will bring not only clarity, but ultimately greater unity too.

Recently, in a Anglican educational institution, a young woman mentioned that a male peer had told her that the Bible says women need to be under the authority of males. It would have been preferable to explain that this is not what the Anglican Church holds, full stop. But I could not—because parishes are permitted to teach this. In a world with numerous issues, widespread hostility, sexism, and discrimination, it would be beneficial for the Anglican Church to have an genuine leader at its top that calls out the systems of male privilege that drive harm against females and addresses the systemic sexism that is presently being ignored. It is hoped that the appointment of the pioneering woman senior bishop will be a big step towards that goal.