Historic Installation of Archbishop Sarah Mullally at Canterbury Cathedral
Credit: Neil Turner for Lambeth Palace
I am Sarah, a servant of Jesus Christ, and I come as one seeking the grace of God, to travel with you in His service together. I am sent as Archbishop to serve you, to proclaim the love of Christ, and with you to worship and love Him with heart and soul, mind and strength.
The Most Reverend and Right Honourable Dame Sarah Elisabeth Mullally, Archbishop of Canterbury
These words were uttered at Canterbury Cathedral as we witnessed a landmark moment in the life of the Church: the installation of Sarah Mullally as the 106th Archbishop of Canterbury. She becomes the first woman to hold this historic office, marking the formal beginning of her ministry and continuing a line of leadership that stretches back over 1,400 years.
The ceremony, rooted in centuries of tradition, included the symbolic seating of Archbishop Mullally in the Cathedral’s Cathedra (bishop’s chair) and on the Chair of St Augustine, affirming her role as Primate of All England and a leader in the worldwide Anglican Communion. Attended by representatives from across the Anglican Communion, the service featured a grand procession, multiple prayers and readings, and Archbishop Mullally’s first sermon in her new role.
USPG at the Installation
USPG were honoured to attend the installation service. Our General Secretary, The Revd Canon Dr Duncan Dormor, and Dr Paulo Ueti joined bishops, archbishops, and church leaders from across the Anglican Communion for this historic occasion of worship, welcome, and renewal.
It was a wonderful, joyous occasion and an excellent service which spoke of a real commitment to humble service. Understated in a good way. A spirit-filled occasion. Praise God!
reflected The Revd Canon Dr Duncan Dormor, General Secretary, pictured here with Agnes and Reginald, Co-Conveners of the Anglican Communion Youth Network.
As an Anglican mission agency working in partnership with churches worldwide, USPG valued the opportunity to be present among longstanding friends and global partners, many of whom have contributed to USPG gatherings and mission initiatives.
Worldwide Family
A remarkable array of global Anglican leaders attended the ceremony. Here’s what they had to say about this historic moment:
Iglesia Filipina Independiente – Former Primate Rhee Timbang:
Our heartfelt and warm congratulations and best wishes. Praying for her leadership and ministry! May God bless and keep her always in safety! As the first woman Archbishop of Canterbury, we see how God mysteriously works in His church and assures us that ‘nothing will be impossible with God’ (Lk 1:37).
The Rt Revd Dr Anderson Jeremiah, Bishop of Edmonton, Diocese of London:
What a joyful, hope-filled day! The Archbishop of Canterbury, Sarah, has already laid such a firm foundation for renewing and strengthening our relationships.
Church of South India – The Most Revd Dr K. Reuben Mark:
We are thankful to Her Grace Dame Sarah Mullally for expressing appreciation for the vibrant witness and ecumenical legacy of the CSI, acknowledging its significant role in fostering unity and advancing a transformative mission within the global Christian community.
Reginald – Co-Convener of the Anglican Communion Youth Network:
The ceremony was indeed a global one, bringing the worldwide Anglican Communion family together under one faith, one mission, and love in Jesus.
The Most Revd Marinez Bassotto, Primate of the Igreja Episcopal Anglicana do Brasil:
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.
Africa’s trailblazing women bishops in full colour – five of the Africa Six ready for a historic day.
© Rt Revd Jennifer Baskerville-Burrows (Bishop of Indianapolis), shared on Facebook.
The installation of Archbishop Sarah Mullally was further distinguished by the presence of five of the Africa Six bishops, a group of African women bishops who have been at the forefront of advocating for inclusion and female leadership within the Anglican Communion. The bishops attending included The Rt Revd Rose Okeno (Butere, Kenya), Vicentia Kgabe (Pretoria), Emily Onyango (Bondo, Kenya), Dalcy Badeli Dlamini (Eswatini), and Filomena Tete Estêvão (Bom Pastor, Angola).
Positioned to the left and to the right of the Archbishop’s throne during the service, the Africa Six embodied a moment of shared leadership and witness across cultures within the global Anglican Communion. In challenging times, their presence was a moving reminder of the Church’s call to unity and faithfulness.
Writing on Facebook, Bishop Vicentia later reflected on the moment, noting,
We have installed the 106th Archbishop of Canterbury in a glorious, spirit-filled service. Le rona re bile dipaki” (“And we were witnesses” – in Sesotho).
At USPG, we look forward to working with Archbishop Sarah and add our prayers as we continue to seek to live out God’s mission in the world together.
Let us pray:
Almighty God,
you call your Church in every age to proclaim the Gospel of Christ: look with mercy upon your servant Sarah, and grant that, as deacon, she may care for those in need, as priest, sustain us with the ministry of word and sacrament, and as bishop, guard the faith and build up the body of Christ in holiness.
Give her wisdom and kindness that as archbishop, she may promote unity, seek truth, and lead us in the way of righteousness and peace; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.
Amen.
A Prayer for the Confirmation of Election of the Archbishop of Canterbury. Church of England.