The 106th Archbishop of Canterbury has been installed at Canterbury Cathedral in a service that gathered Primates and Anglican representatives from all around the world.
In keeping with tradition, Archbishop Sarah struck the West Door of the Cathedral three times, and was welcomed in to her Cathedral. The Most Revd and Rt Hon Dame Sarah Mullally is the first woman to take up the ministry of the Archbishop of Canterbury in the 1400 year history of the office.
The service was attended by Their Royal Hignesses The Prince and Princess of Wales and the Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer. Also gathered were Anglican Primates and clergy, standing alongside representatives from community groups, charities, ecumenical and inter faith guests.
The service was a celebration of global family, with at least 32 provinces (member churches) of the Anglican Communion represented, with 26 Primates in attendance, and four others sending official representatives. Many robed and processed through the Cathedral’s nave, including five of the ‘Africa Six’, the first female Anglican bishops from across Africa.
The service took place on the Feast of the Annunciation, when the Church remembers how Mary was told by the Angel Gabriel that she had been chosen by God to be the mother of Jesus.
The Annunciation was reflected in Archbishop Sarah’s inaugural sermon, where she gave an honest and powerful reminder that everyone can respond to God’s invitation with words as simple as the words of Mary: Here I am.’ At the conclusion of her sermon, Archbishop Sarah remarked: ‘As I begin my ministry today as Archbishop of Canterbury, I say again to God: Here I am.’
The sermon recognised people and communities currently impacted by conflict in the world saying: ‘Some of our Anglican brothers and sisters are unable to be here today due to the war in the Middle East and the Gulf. We pray for them without ceasing, and for all those in war-torn areas of the world, in Ukraine, in Sudan, and Myanmar – that they would know God’s presence with them, just as we pray for peace to prevail.’
The sermon also spoke about the importance of the global church responding to the call of Christ. An excerpt from her sermon said: ‘Our world today needs the love, healing and hope that we find in Jesus Christ. I continue to pray that we renew our confidence in this good news, and recommit ourselves to sharing the joy of the Gospel.’
She also called for: ‘A church for the whole nation and for the world, which looks for ways of joining with people of all faiths and none, in acts of service that will transform. A church which extends around the world, with our sister churches in the Anglican Communion, as part of the one holy, catholic and apostolic Church, to embody Christ’s love.’
Themes of pilgrimage and journey were woven into her inaugural sermon, which was fitting, following the 87 mile pilgrimage that Archbishop Sarah undertook in the days before her Installation. She said: ‘Maybe as you are listening to me, you are thinking about your own journey. Perhaps it’s smooth, perhaps it’s hard. Knowing God is with you on the journey makes all the difference.’
During the service, The Secretary General of the Anglican Communion, the Rt Revd Anthony Poggo presented Archbishop Sarah with a Compass Rose, praying: ‘Receive this Compass Rose, the symbol of the Anglican Communion. Let us pray that we may be gathered from east and west, from north and south as God’s children, walking in His ways of justice, love and peace.’
Anglican Primates and representatives have been sharing messages of support and goodwill this week.
A Message of Support from The Most Revd Marinez Rosa Dos Santos Bassotto, Primate of Brazil and Bishop of the Amazon
‘May God protect Archbishop Sarah and ever increase within her the love, strength and courage necessary to lead the church in the times we are living through. In this society, fragile and burdened by exclusion, hatred, and war, may she be a sign and instrument of our unity and also our voice in the midst of the world. God bless Archbishop Sarah Mullally and strengthen her in her ministry and in her life.’
A Message of Support from the Most Revd Dr Thabo Makgoba, Archbishop of Cape Town and Primate of Southern Africa
‘On behalf of the Anglican Church of Southern Africa, we extend our heartfelt congratulations as you prepare to be installed as Primus Inter Pares and the Archbishop of Canterbury. We pledge our support in your pursuit of the common good throughout our Communion, for stable, safe and just societies that honour everyone with respect in their material, emotional, spiritual and intellectual lives.’
A Message of Support from the Secretary General of the Anglican Communion
‘It is a joy to celebrate the Installation of the 106th Archbishop of Canterbury and to welcome so many representatives from Anglican churches around the world for this significant occasion. The office of the Archbishop of Canterbury carries an important pastoral and collegial ministry within our global Anglican Communion, working to foster Christian unity and partnership in proclaiming the hope of the Gospel. We assure Archbishop Sarah of our prayers as she serves God’s Church in this sacred calling.’
