The reintroduction is required following her assumption of office as Archbishop of Canterbury. Dame Sarah was accompanied by students from the Archbishop’s School in Canterbury and supported by Most Reverend and Rt Hon Stephen Cottrell, Archbishop of York, along with Rt Rev Debbie Sellin, Bishop of Peterborough.
Shortly afterwards, the recently appointed Rt Rev Joanne Grenfell, Bishop of St Edmundsbury and Ipswich, was also introduced to the House of Lords.
During the brief ceremony, the writ of summons issued by His Majesty The King was read aloud by the Reading Clerk, before the Oath was administered. Archbishop Sarah then proceeded to the Woolsack and shook hands with the Lord Speaker, marking her formal return to parliamentary duties.
Reflecting on the occasion, Archbishop Sarah spoke of the duty that comes with the role.
“A seat in the House of Lords comes with an enormous responsibility, and I commit to bringing a compassionate voice to my role as an advocate for equity, justice and hope," she said. "I will draw on my faith and my practical and pastoral experience as a nurse and a priest, to help scrutinise and finesse legislation that improves the lives of all those who live and work in our country - of all faiths and none.”
The students who attended the ceremony were later given a tour of Parliament, including visits to Westminster Hall and the State Rooms.
Archbishop Sarah previously sat in the House of Lords during her time as Bishop of London, where she led on issues relating to health and medical ethics.
She legally became Archbishop of Canterbury on 28th January and is due to be installed at Canterbury Cathedral on 25th March, after which she will formally begin her public ministry in the role.
