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The 63-year-old former NHS chief nurse has been selected as the new Archbishop of Canterbury designate - creating a milestone as the first woman to be picked for this important office.

Previously England's chief nursing officer, the 63-year-old became a priest in 2006 and was appointed as the first female Bishop of London in 2018 - occupying the third highest position of religious leadership in the Church of England.

This signifies the initial occasion in almost five centuries of history that the Anglican Communion has nominated a female to assume its leadership.

Historic Selection

The Anglican Church has been without someone in the leading position for almost a year after Justin Welby resigned over a safeguarding scandal.

He departed following a critical investigation into a serial offender linked to the religious institution. The investigation found that he "could and should" have reported John Smyth's abuse of boys and young men to law enforcement in 2013.

The Archbishop of York assumed most of Mr Welby's responsibilities in an temporary arrangement, and was one of the voting members of the committee charged with selecting his replacement.

Official Procedure

In line with tradition, the process of selecting a new archbishop involves a candidate being presented to Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and then forwarded to the sovereign.

The Prime Minister has applauded Dame Sarah's appointment, stating: "This position will serve an important function in our national life. I wish her every success and anticipate working together."

Although formally, the King is head of the Anglican Church, the person occupying the position of Archbishop of Canterbury is the highest-ranking cleric and is the spiritual leader of the Church and the worldwide Anglican Communion.

Monarchical and Global Reaction

King Charles III has congratulated the new Archbishop on her new role, "which is of such importance in the UK and across the global Anglican Communion", Buckingham Palace said.

The international conservative Anglican group, which advocates for traditional positions, has criticised the selection, stating that although some will welcome it, "the majority of the global church still believes that the scriptures requires a all-male bishopric."

Handover Process

She does not legally take on her new role until a formal approval process in January, and an installation ceremony comes later, after they have paid homage to the King.

In a statement on Friday after her new role was confirmed, she commented: "I know this is a significant undertaking but I approach it with a feeling of calm and trust in God to support me as has consistently occurred."

Addressing media at Canterbury Cathedral, she noted that "in an age that seeks absolute answers and group identity, the Anglican tradition offers something quieter but more resilient."

Addressing Violence

Addressing the "horrific violence" of the previous day's incident on a Jewish house of worship in Manchester, she stated "we observe hatred that emerges through fractures across our society."

She continued: "The religious community have a duty to be a group who support the Jewish people against antisemitism in all its forms. Hatred and racism of all types cannot be permitted to divide our society."

Background and Career

A mother of two, she spent over 35 years in the National Health Service, achieving the position of the most junior person to serve as chief nurse for England in 1999.

While serving voluntarily in the Church at the time, it was just a few years later that she chose to enter a clergy member and was promptly assigned helping make reforms in the way the organization dealt with misconduct.

In 2012 she became canon treasurer at the historic church before assuming the role of diocesan leader in the diocese of Exeter in 2015.

As London's religious leader she was seen as someone who used her experience as an NHS administrator to help modernise the diocese.

Personal Philosophy

"People frequently inquire what it has been like to have had different professional paths, first in the NHS and now in the religious institution.

"I like to consider that I have always had a single calling: to pursue Christian faith, to understand his teachings and to share his message, always seeking to live with compassion in the assistance to people, whether as a healthcare professional, a priest, or a church official."

Upcoming Responsibilities

Perhaps the pressing issue in her agenda is still to develop improved approaches towards dealing with abuse and approaching with greater empathy those affected by it.

There has also been a decline in church attendance, though the capital has to some extent resisted this pattern.

A particular subject she has been particularly vocal on is end-of-life choices - she is a vociferous opponent, as was her preceding Archbishop.

When legislation was approved in the Commons, she characterized it as "unworkable and unsafe and creates danger to the most at-risk individuals in our society."

Progressive Stances

Among her responsibilities as Bishop of London was to chair a body trying to steer the Church's decision on whether to sanction gay unions.

She described the decision to ultimately permit clergy to bless same-sex couples in last year as "an optimistic development for the Church."

A former Archbishop, summarised her new role as necessitating a "awareness of current affairs and a understanding of scripture."

The former spiritual leader told media outlets "the pressure of having an position on all matters is significantly demanding."