Women’s Ordination Conference Celebrates Archbishop of Canterbury Installation
For Immediate Release (23 March 2026)
The Women’s Ordination Conference celebrates the historic installation of Sarah Mullally as Archbishop of Canterbury, the first woman to hold this role in its 1,400-year history. We honor the countless courageous advocates within the Anglican Communion whose faith and persistence helped open hearts and doors to women’s ordination. Their witness remains vital as the church enters this new chapter.
We offer our prayers for Archbishop Mullally’s ministry at a challenging moment for our world and welcome her leadership in strengthening ecumenical dialogue and deepening solidarity in our shared call to ensure all vocations can flourish in service of the Gospel.
For decades, the Women’s Ordination Conference has prayed and worked toward such a “stained-glass-ceiling-breaking” moment within the Roman Catholic Church. We find hope in witnessing the Anglican Church more fully recognize the vocations and gifts of women, and we will continue to call for the day that Catholic women, too, will experience the same rites and dignity.
Today marks a powerful moment not only for the church, but for the world—especially for women and girls who see in this historic milestone a clear sign that women can, should, and do lead in religious life. What was once deemed impossible is now reality, and for that, we rejoice.
The Women’s Ordination Conference will commemorate its 50th anniversary with a gathering from May 22–24, 2026—a moment to celebrate resilience and renew the persistent call for gender equality in the Roman Catholic Church.
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CONTACT: Kate McElwee, Executive Director, Women’s Ordination Conference
Founded in 1975, the Women’s Ordination Conference (WOC) is the oldest and largest organization working to ordain women as deacons, priests, and bishops into an inclusive and accountable Roman Catholic Church. A feminist voice for women in the Roman Catholic Church, WOC is a grassroots-driven movement that promotes activism, dialogue, and prayerful witness to call for women’s full equality in the Church.
Our 50th anniversary conference will be held May 22-24, 2026 in Detroit Michigan. Find out more here.