Bishop Sarah Mullally will become the 106th Archbishop of Canterbury at a historic Confirmation of Election service at St Paul’s Cathedral on Wednesday morning, marking the first time in the Church’s 1,400-year history that a woman has held the office.
The Confirmation of Election is a legal ceremony set within a church service, at which the Archbishop-Elect formally and lawfully becomes Archbishop of Canterbury. At the conclusion of the service, Archbishop Sarah’s first act will be to take up the Primatial Cross and pronounce the blessing.
The service will reflect the breadth and diversity of the Church of England and the global Anglican Communion. Alongside bishops and clergy, participants will include local schoolchildren and choirs. Music will be provided by the Choir of St Paul’s Cathedral, singing an anthem by Elgar, alongside Christ’s Hospital School’s gospel choir. A South African Xhosa chant, Thuma Mina (“Send Me, Lord”), will recognise the contribution of the wider Communion.
Readings will also reflect Anglican global links, with a student from Urswick School in Hackney reading in both English and Portuguese, the principal language of the Anglican Province of Mozambique and Angola, with which the Diocese of London has a pastoral partnership.
Archbishop Sarah will be formally installed at Canterbury Cathedral in March, where she will preach her first sermon as Archbishop of Canterbury. Between her confirmation and installation, she will pay homage to The King, meet leaders of other Christian denominations and faiths in the UK, and co-preside at the Church of England’s General Synod in February, delivering the Presidential Address. By tradition, her full programme of public ministry will begin following her installation.
Speaking ahead of Wednesday's service, Bishop Sarah said: "It is an extraordinary and humbling privilege to have been called to be the 106th Archbishop of Canterbury. In this country and around the world, Anglican churches bring healing and hope to their communities. With God’s help, I will seek to guide Christ’s flock with calmness, consistency and compassion.
“These are times of division and uncertainty for our fractured world. I pray that we will offer space to break bread together and discover what we have in common – and I pledge myself to this ministry of hospitality.
“I want us to be a Church that always listens to the voices of those who have been ignored or overlooked, among them victims and survivors of church abuse who have often been let down. I am committed to equipping the Church to be a kind and safe place that cares for everyone, especially those who are vulnerable, as we rise to the challenge of God’s call to justice, equity, peace and the care of creation."
Archbishop Stephen Cottrell, welcomed her confirmation, saying: " As Archbishop Sarah takes up these new responsibilities and looks towards the beginning of her public ministry at her installation in Canterbury in March, it is a joy to be alongside her at the confirmation of her election as Archbishop of Canterbury.
"Sarah’s clarity of thinking, wisdom, grace and holiness is what the Church needs right now. I very much look forward to working with her and give thanks to God for his call in her life.”
Rt Rev Bishop Libby Lane, Bishop of Derby, is one of the Royal Commissioners at the service. She said it was “an honour” to support Bishop Sarah as she begins her new ministry, and urged Church to pray for her and her family.
Rt Rev Anthony Poggo, Secretary General of the Anglican Communion, also offered prayers and support as Archbishop Sarah prepares for her installation and wider public ministry.
"May God grant the archbishop understanding and discernment as she works to serve the Member churches of the Anglican Communion, foster bonds of friendship, and encourage them in sharing the Good News of the Christian faith around the world," he said.
The Archbishop of Canterbury is the most senior bishop in the Church of England, serving as Diocesan Bishop of Canterbury, Primate of All England, and head of the global Anglican Communion, which represents around 85 million Christians across 165 countries.
