Yes, the archbishop of Canterbury can be a woman. The Church of England first began ordaining women as priests in 1994, and later allowed women to become bishops in 2014. Because the archbishop of Canterbury is chosen from among the Church of England’s bishops, women are now eligible for the position. In 2025 Sarah Mullally made history as the first woman ever appointed to the office; her election as archbishop of Canterbury was confirmed in early 2026.
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