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Former chief nurse of England becomes Bishop of London

Dame Sarah Mullally to become the 133rd Bishop of London in 2018 and installed in a service at St Paul’s Cathedral.
Sarah Mullally

Dame Sarah Mullally to become the 133rd Bishop of London in 2018 and installed in a service at St Paul’s Cathedral


Dame Sarah Mullally left England’s chief nurse post to become a church minister
Picture: Chris Woods

A former chief nursing officer for England is to become the next Bishop of London, Downing Street announced this morning.

Dame Sarah Mullally will be consecrated as Bishop of London in the diocese of London – the 133rd such bishop –  in the new year, and will be installed in a service in St Paul’s Cathedral.

Dame Sarah was England's chief nurse from 1999 to 2004, the youngest person to be appointed to the post, later leaving to become a church minister.

She became a Dame Commander of the British Empire in 2005 in recognition of her outstanding contribution to nursing and midwifery.

‘Wonderful privilege’

Dame Sarah said the new role was ‘a great honour’ and after living and working in London for 32 years said it would feel like returning home.

She said: ‘I am often asked what it has been like to have had two careers – first in the NHS and now in the church.

‘I prefer to think that I have always had one vocation – to follow Jesus Christ, to know him and to make him known, always seeking to live with compassion in the service of others, whether as a nurse, a priest or a bishop.

‘To be given the opportunity to do that now in this vibrant world city is a wonderful privilege.’

‘Proven qualities of leadership and commitment to collaborative working’

Acting Bishop of London, the Rt Rev Pete Broadbent, said: ‘I welcome the announcement of Bishop Sarah’s appointment and look forward with excitement to working under her leadership as our Diocesan Bishop.

‘She has proven qualities of leadership and commitment to collaborative working.

‘Bishop Sarah’s work in the public square uniquely equips her for the important outward focus that is required in leading the Diocese in this great world city.

‘She also brings strong experience of parish and cathedral life and sees her vocational experience as nurse, civil servant, priest and bishop as a totality.’

Dame Sarah is Bishop of Crediton and was installed in the position in the diocese of Exeter in 2015.


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