[Canterbury Cathedral] On Dec. 2, a centuries-old ceremony at Canterbury Cathedral formally elected the 106th archbishop of Canterbury.
As part of the official process leading up to the installation of London Bishop Sarah Mullally as archbishop of canterbury, King Charles had issued a license, known as a Congé d’Elire, that allowed the College of Canons of Canterbury Cathedral to elect an archbishop of the see of Canterbury.
The king also had recommended, by letters missive, that Mullally be elected archbishop of Canterbury.
On Nov. 25, Canterbury dean the Very Rev. David Monteith had called the College of Canons to meet in the cathedral’s medieval Chapter House to elect the new archbishop.
The College of Canons is comprised of the cathedral’s residentiary, honorary and provincial canons, and the suffragan bishops and archdeacons of the Diocese of Canterbury. In attendance were several legal officers and invited observers. Mullally was not present.
Following the election, the College of Canons issued a certificate – stamped with the cathedral’s seal – to the king, recording the decision of the college. Public declarations are also displayed at the cathedral, including in the ornately-carved archbishop’s cathedra stall within the church.
Letters Patent now will be issued in the king’s name, requiring arrangements to be made for the election to be legally confirmed and to bring the appointment into effect.
After the election, Mullally now will be known as the archbishop of Canterbury-elect, although she will remain the bishop of London until the confirmation of her election at St. Paul’s Cathedral on Jan. 28, 2026. At that time she officially will become the archbishop of Canterbury.
Her installation, which marks the start of her ministry as archbishop, will take place at Canterbury Cathedral on March 25, 2026.
More information about the historic role of Canterbury Cathedral in electing the archbishop of Canterbury is available here.