We warmly welcome the historic appointment of Rt Revd and Rt Hon Dame Sarah Mullally as the 106th Archbishop of Canterbury – the first woman ever to hold this office.

Over many years, Bishop (now Archbishop-elect) Sarah has been a gracious and sincere friend to Progressive Judaism. Her commitment to dialogue, inclusivity, and social justice has strengthened the bonds between our communities, and we look forward with genuine excitement to deepening that partnership in her new role.

Her background – both in Christian ministry and in public service, including her earlier career in nursing and public health – gives her a perspective rooted in care, compassion, and responsibility to others. This orientation aligns closely with values that our Movement honours: to bring voices of conscience, healing, and justice into the public sphere.

The significance of her appointment as the first woman Archbishop of Canterbury cannot be overstated. It is a moment of transformation, of long-awaited recognition, and of hope for a Church and society that fully values the leadership of women.

As she assumes leadership of the Church of England and the global Anglican communion, we stand ready to work more closely than ever — in the service of mutual understanding, in joint witness for equality and peace, and in collaborative action for the common good. We wish her every blessing, wisdom, and strength for the journey ahead.

• Picture courtesy of Lambeth Palace.