Sarah Mullally was confirmed as archbishop of Canterbury on Wednesday, becoming the first woman to lead the Church of England.

After decades of controversies over sexuality and theology in the worldwide Anglican Communion, some leaders of a conservative coalition says it’s time to make a final break from what has long been one of the world’s largest Protestant church families.

The Catholic Church and Church of England are taking a historic step toward unity.

For the first time, a woman will serve as the Archbishop of Canterbury, following the 105 men who have held the role since St. Augustine took that position in the year 597.

Sarah Mullally, the bishop of London, has been named Archbishop of Canterbury, the first time a woman has been chosen as the spiritual leader of the Church of England.