A church for the whole nation and for the world
Entering the West Door of Canterbury Cathedral, Sarah Mullally declared: “I am Sarah, a servant of Jesus Christ”. And at the historic moment when she became the first woman to be installed as Archbishop of Canterbury, she was met with warm and enthusiastic applause.
Her installation marks a significant milestone for the Church of England. It is 39 years since women were allowed to become deacons, 32 years since they could be ordained priests and 12 years since they could be bishops. Her appointment as leader of the Church of England and the wider Anglican Communion, smashed a glass ceiling that had held for 1500 years.
In an interview on the eve of the service, she had promised that part of the installation service would have “women’s voices right the way through”, and their presence was prominent.
Five leading Church of England women bishops stood together by the altar. Five African women bishops stood around her in St Augustine’s chair. A Lutheran bishop and the president of Churches Together in England, both women, presented the ecumenical covenant for her to sign. Women of the African Choir of Norfolk sang and danced the Gospel Acclamation. The Bishop of Mexico, also a woman, read the gospel lesson.
The Archbishop of Canterbury is the first among equals in the Anglican Communion, one of the “instruments of communion” which holds the 42 provinces together. But the role is disputed by traditionalist bishops and congregations who have formed another group, Gafcon, in opposition to changes including women’s ordination as priests and same sex blessings. Several primates stayed away from the service, but the words of installation made clear that the archbishop’s role remains to promote unity and peace. Two CofE “flying bishops”, of Ebbsfleet and Richborough, who oversee traditionalist congregations, took part in the procession with Sarah Mullally.
Within the Church of England, there is continuing argument over same sex blessings threatening a split. But in her address, she said she had hope for the church, where she can see extraordinary acts of love in a world that seeks to divide people. Her theme was “Nothing will be impossible with God”. She spoke of “a church for the whole nation and for the world, which looks for ways of joining with people of all faiths and none, in acts of service that will transform”. Representatives from Jewish, Sikh, Muslim, Hindu and Jain faith traditions were present, alongside leaders from all main Christian denominations in England.
The archbishop also addressed the continuing disquiet over safeguarding in the CofE. In her address she said the church “must not overlook or minimise the pain experienced by those who have been harmed through the actions, inactions or failures of those in our own Christian communities”. The church must be committed to truth, compassion, justice and action.
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