Bishop Sarah Mullally DBE became the 106th Archbishop of Canterbury, at her Confirmation of Election at St Paul’s Cathedral yesterday (Wednesday 28 January). She is the first woman to hold the office in its 1,400-year history.
The Confirmation of Election is a legal ceremony, set within a church service, at which Bishop Sarah, the former Archbishop-Elect, legally becomes the Archbishop of Canterbury. Archbishop Sarah’s first act as Archbishop was to take up the Primatial Cross and give the blessing at the end of the service.
From bishops and clergy, to local school children and choirs, the service featured the participation of people from across the Church of England and the Anglican Communion. It featured hymns and readings that reflected this diversity. Alongside the Choir of St Paul’s Cathedral, who sung an anthem by Elgar, there was also music from the Christ’s Hospital School’s gospel choir, while a Xhosa South African chant, ‘Thuma Mina’ (Send Me Lord) recognised the contribution of the Communion. A reading was given by a student from the Urswick School in Hackney in both English and Portuguese, the majority spoken language in the Anglican Province of Mozambique and Angola, with which the Diocese of London has a pastoral link.
The Confirmation was followed by an Installation service at Canterbury Cathedral in March, where Archbishop Sarah preached her first sermon as Archbishop of Canterbury. Between her Confirmation of Election and Installation, Archbishop Sarah paid homage to The King and met with the leaders of other Christian denominations and other faiths in the UK. She will also co-preside at the Church of England’s General Synod in London in February, where she will deliver the Presidential Address. By tradition, Archbishop Sarah will begin her public ministry and full programme of public engagements following her Installation.
Bishop Sarah said: “It is an extraordinary and humbling privilege to have been called to be the 106th Archbishop of Canterbury. In this country and around the world, Anglican churches bring healing and hope to their communities. With God’s help, I will seek to guide Christ’s flock with calmness, consistency and compassion.
These are times of division and uncertainty for our fractured world. I pray that we will offer space to break bread together and discover what we have in common – and I pledge myself to this ministry of hospitality.
I want us to be a Church that always listens to the voices of those who have been ignored or overlooked, among them victims and survivors of church abuse who have often been let down. I am committed to equipping the Church to be a kind and safe place that cares for everyone, especially those who are vulnerable, as we rise to the challenge of God’s call to justice, equity, peace and the care of creation”.
Archbishop Stephen said: “As Archbishop Sarah takes up these new responsibilities and looks towards the beginning of her public ministry at her installation in Canterbury in March, it is a joy to be alongside her at the confirmation of her election as Archbishop of Canterbury. Sarah’s clarity of thinking, wisdom, grace and holiness is what the Church needs right now. I very much look forward to working with her and give thanks to God for his call in her life.”
The Bishop of Derby, Bishop Libby Lane, who served as one of the Royal Commissioners at the service, said: “It is an honour to have been invited to undertake this role as part of the Confirmation of Election. I am delighted to support Bishop Sarah as she takes up her new ministry. It has been a privilege and pleasure to work with her over many years, and to serve with her now as Archbishop. Please join me in praying for Sarah, and her family, as she begins her new role, leading the Diocese of Canterbury, Church of England and the Anglican Communion.”
Bishop Joanne Grenfell, the Church of England’s lead safeguarding bishop said: “As Bishop of Stepney, I worked closely alongside Bishop Sarah and witnessed her full commitment to safeguarding – strengthening systems and processes, and improving the culture across a large, complex organisation. I will be praying for her as she begins this vital ministry knowing she will lead the Church of England both in confidence and in service.”
The Rt Revd Anthony Poggo, Secretary General of the Anglican Communion, said: “I give thanks for Bishop Sarah and the confirmation of her election as the Archbishop of Canterbury. As she prepares for her installation and public ministry this March, I assure her of our prayers and support. May God grant the archbishop understanding and discernment as she works to serve the Member churches of the Anglican Communion, foster bonds of friendship, and encourage them in sharing the Good News of the Christian faith around the world.”