The Archbishop of Canterbury has used her first Easter sermon to pray for an end to war in the Middle East.
Most Reverend Sarah Mullally called “with renewed urgency” for peace in the Holy Land and across the region, in a sermon which reflected on the work of God that was “unfolding in the dark” before Jesus' resurrection.
At Canterbury Cathedral, Archbishop Sarah told the congregation: “This week our gaze and our prayers have been turned towards the land where Jesus was crucified and raised from the dead.
“Today, as we shout with joy that Christ is risen, let us pray and call with renewed urgency for an end to the violence and destruction in the Middle East and the Gulf.
“May our Christian sisters and brothers know and celebrate the hope of the empty tomb - and may all people of the region receive the peace, justice and freedom they long for.”
The war is entering its sixth week, after US and Israeli forces launched strikes on Iran at the end of February. At least 2,000 have been killed in Iran, according to its health ministry. Lebanese authorities believe more than 1,300 have died in the country, as Israeli forces attack Hezbollah militant positions. Millions are estimated to have been displaced across the region.
Archbishop Sarah's sermon followed John's Gospel account of the resurrection,“beginning early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark,” (John 20:1).
“It sometimes feels like society conditions us to be impatient with the dark. We are taught to equate the light with progress and positivity, and the darkness as a space of absence or a delay to be overcome. Yet, for me darkness is also a place for the movement of the Spirit, knowing Jesus is with me,” she said.
Archbishop Sarah, a former chief nurse, reflected on those who take on caring responsibilities, often while others sleep: “Last night, in hospitals around the country, nurses tended to those who struggled to sleep. In hospices, carers and loved ones will have held someone's hand, letting them know they are not alone. Parents will have cradled their babies to sleep. This vigil of care is the work of remaining - of staying present in the quiet and the dark.”
She prayed for those dealing with personal struggles, such as illness, unemployment or bereavement, telling them “God walks with you through that darkness”.
“The invitation of Easter is to a relationship. Jesus does not wait for Mary to be certain; he finds her in her grief and darkness and calls her into the light and hope of resurrection,
“The Risen Christ stands beside you, calling your name and inviting you into the resurrection life,” Archbishop Sarah concluded.
In an ecumenical letter to church leaders this week, Archbishop Sarah said the depth of the Easter story helps us understand a world marred by “deep suffering and conflict”, highlighting wars in the Middle East, Ukraine and Sudan.
Archbishop Sarah was formally installed at Canterbury Cathedral last month, being the first woman in the Church of England’s top ministry role. She embarked on a six-day walking pilgrimage to Canterbury ahead of the ceremony, as part of her spiritual preparation.