Thousands gather for installation of Sarah Mullally as Archbishop of Canterbury

Dame Sarah Mullally is being formally installed today because the 106th Archbishop of Canterbury and the primary woman to carry the role within the Church of England’s 1,400-year history.

The installation ceremony takes place at Canterbury Cathedral on the Feast of the Annunciation and marks the official starting of her public ministry as the pinnacle of the Church of England and spiritual leader of the worldwide Anglican Communion, which incorporates around 85 million members worldwide.

The congregation of around 2,000 guests includes the Prince and Princess of Wales, in addition to Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, and Christian leaders from throughout the Church of England, the Anglican Communion, and other denominations and traditions.

Reflecting her past profession within the NHS prior to becoming ordained, Dame Sarah has also invited NHS nurses and carers working in hospitals and hospices to her installation. 

In one other nod to her personal reference to the NHS, the clasp for the cope and mitre worn through the ceremony is constructed from the belt buckle she wore while serving as a nurse within the NHS.

She is being installed after walking from St Paul’s Cathedral in London to Canterbury Cathedral on a six-day pilgrimage. 

Speaking ahead of the service, she said: “As I prepare to start my ministry as Archbishop of Canterbury, I’m grateful for the prayers and support I actually have received from people here and around the globe.

“To be welcomed into town and diocese of Canterbury is an immense privilege – and I’m grateful to be sharing on this moment with people of all ages and backgrounds from across the Church of England, the Anglican Communion, our nation and the world.

“Our world today needs the love, healing and hope that we discover in Jesus Christ. I proceed to wish that we renew our confidence on this excellent news, and recommit ourselves to sharing the enjoyment of the Gospel.”

The installation service takes the theme of Jesus because the Good Shepherd and combines centuries-old tradition with modern symbolism, with Dame Sarah seated within the historic Chair of St Augustine through the ceremony and presented along with her pastoral staff, symbolic of her role as a shepherd.

Reflecting the range of the worldwide Anglican Communion, a prayer will likely be given within the Bemba language of Zambia by the Primate of Central Africa, Most Rev Albert Chama, while the Gospel reading will likely be delivered in Spanish by the acting Primate of the Anglican Church of Mexico, Bishop Alba Sally Sue Hernández García.

The hymns chosen by Archbishop Mullally are Tell Out My Soul and Praise my Soul the King of Heaven. 

Mullally’s installation follows her formal confirmation in January, when she legally became Archbishop.

She succeeds Justin Welby at a time of considerable challenge for the Church of England and the broader Anglican Communion. Some of that is owing to ongoing divisions around issues like sexuality. Other issues closer to home include safeguarding and struggling church attendance. 

Further afield, the Gafcon movement has refused to recognise her authority and is pursuing a path of “principled disengagement” from Canterbury. 

Her supporters, nevertheless, see her as a conciliatory and experienced leader who they hope will bring a gentle hand to the Church. 

Dr David Monteith, Dean of Canterbury, said: “Each latest Archbishop brings their very own particular gifts and experiences to the role with a way of renewed hope. 

“Installing Sarah as our first female Archbishop would have almost been unimaginable even 50 years ago. Today matters.

“As we mix centuries of tradition on this ancient service with those elements unique to Sarah’s ministry, we welcome her to our Cathedral and diocese, and pray for her as she takes on the role of Archbishop of Canterbury.”