The Archbishop of Canterbury has set off from St Paul’s Cathedral, as she begins a six-day pilgrimage ahead of her installation.
Most Reverend Sarah Mullally told reporters that she would be praying for those she encounters along the route, for the “fractured world” and those affected by the meningitis outbreak in Canterbury.
Archbishop Sarah began the journey after a service of blessing on Tuesday, with schoolchildren and well-wishers lining the steps of the cathedral as she left.
She wore walking boots and held a staff as she set off in the London sunshine towards Greenwich, in time for evening prayer.
In a social media video, Archbishop Sarah was walking with her husband Eamon, fellow clergy and well-wishers, stopping to speak with people on the journey. She said it was “wonderful to see” the number of people who had come to support.
The route follows the Becket Camino, believed to have been the route of Archbishop of Canterbury Thomas Becket. It is the first pilgrimage of its kind undertaken by an Archbishop in modern times.
Archbishop Sarah will be stopping at cathedrals, schools and abbeys along the way, reaching Canterbury in time for evensong on Sunday. Her installation will take place on 25 March, where she will preach her first sermon.
Lambeth Palace has confirmed to Premier Christian News that Archbishop Sarah will be in attendance as the House of Lords votes on decriminalising abortion on Wednesday afternoon.
Ahead of the pilgrimage, Archbishop Sarah said: "As I prepare for my installation at Canterbury Cathedral, it feels deeply humbling to be following in the footsteps of those who have walked this ancient route. For centuries, faithful pilgrims have flocked to Canterbury, and I will be reflecting on this tradition as we make our way through the Kent countryside and its towns and cities.
“I'm looking forward to visiting local churches, cathedrals and holy sites along the route - and to meeting people, praying with them and hearing their stories. As I walk this path I will be praying for our Church and our world, and asking God to bless those we meet. Every Christian life is a pilgrimage - a journey with God."
“As I begin this new chapter in my own life and ministry, I am grateful to be walking with God and with others," she added.