London bishop Sarah Mullally on Friday was named the next Archbishop of Canterbury, becoming the first woman in history to be selected for the clerical role of the Church of England’s spiritual leader.

Mullally was one of three women on the shortlist to replace former Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby, who resigned his post last year over his handling of a physical and sexual abuse scandal. 

The new archbishop's nomination comes 30 years after the Church of England ordained its first female priests, and its first female bishop was named in 2015, according to the Associated Press. 

“I intend to be a shepherd who enables everyone’s ministry and vocation to flourish, whatever our tradition,” Mullally said in a 10-minute address after her nomination was announced, the New York Times reported. “We’re witnessing hatred that rises up through fractures across our communities. Hatred and racism of any kind cannot be allowed to tear us apart."

Mullally also promised to restore the Church of England's reputation that was tarnished by the abuse scandal.

“As a church we have too often failed to take seriously the misuse of power in all its forms,” she said. “This will not be easy. We must all be willing to have light shone on our actions, regardless of our role within the church.”

Mullally previously worked as a cancer nurse before joining the clergy. 

Misty Severi is a news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.