Hyderabad: Secunderabad’s Old Lancer Lane, the Diocese office of the Church of South India (CSI), received official correspondence from the Archdiocese of Canterbury confirming that Dame Sarah Mullally, 63, had become the first woman to be named Archbishop of Canterbury in the Church of England’s nearly 500-year history.
Ordained women ministers in CSI expressed jubilation over the announcement. Several pointed out that many churches worldwide still deny women opportunities in ordained ministry, and this appointment sent a powerful message. “It is a big leap in the global church movement regarding women,” they said.
Rev Dr K. Reuben Mark, Bishop of Medak Diocese and Moderator of the CSI, cast his vote in support of Dame Mullally’s appointment. He is currently abroad.
Dr B. Vimal Sukumar, treasurer of the CSI Synod, told Deccan Chronicle: “The Bishop is elected by the Primates, and Dr Reuben Mark is one of them. CSI has always supported progressive change.” He recalled that in 2015, CSI elected Bishop Pushpa Lata as Bishop of Nandyal, where she served until 2023.
Theologians interacting with this newspaper noted that Mullally will have to address divisive issues within the church, including same-sex relationships and LGBTQ rights.
Rev Jyothi Sunder, presently serving at CSI Church Vanasthalipuram, said: “This is a landmark decision, recognising the global church’s commitment to equal opportunity for ordained women. In CSI, there are more than 200 ordained women ministers. The first women were ordained here in 1974.”
