Archbishop Sarah

 

Canterbury 2026

Yesterday I watched the Installation of Sarah Mullally as Archbishop of Canterbury.  It was wonderful to see African dancers, to hear the Gospel read in Spanish, to see Church leaders of many denominations taking part, to watch her being blessed in the Bemba language from Zambia.

It was a marvellous weaving of new music, traditional liturgy.  Her morse on her cope was fashioned from the buckle from her nursing belt but she sat on the ancient Chair of St Augustine.

It was moving to hear her support of all who have suffered because of the actions or inaction of church leaders.  

Celebrations at St Paul's 2024

When the previous archbishop took office in 2013 there were no women bishops in the Church of England.  Two years ago I went to London for the national celebration of the thirtieth anniversary of the first ordinations of women to the priesthood.  Bishop Sarah (as she was then) presided at that service.  She thanked those of us ordained in 1994 because without what we did then, she would not be able to do what she does now.  

Archbishop Sarah, I feel proud and humble.  May God bless you.