Archbishop Sarah Mullally was installed as the first woman Archbishop of Canterbury in Canterbury Cathedral today (Wednesday March 25).
More than 2,000 people attended the joyful service, welcoming the 106th Archbishop of Canterbury, who will lead the Church of England and the world-wide Anglican Communion.
The congregation included the Prince and Princess of Wales, the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition, faith leaders, NHS nurses and carers in recognition of Archbishop Sarah’s nursing career, and representatives of the Commonwealth and United Nations, and of local charities and schools.
All three bishops from the Diocese of Norwich joined bishops and archbishops from around the world to process into Canterbury Cathedral and take part in the historic service.
The Bishop of Norwich, the Rt Revd Graham Usher, who was part of the Crown Nominations Commission which helped choose the new Archbishop of Canterbury, said:
“What a glorious service of hope and joy as amidst prayer and praise Archbishop Sarah was installed in the seat of St Augustine in Canterbury Cathedral.
“In a service which included the fabulous African Choir of Norfolk, as well as a new choral composition of words by Mother Julian of Norwich, there were ecumenical and interfaith guests, as well as people from across the Anglican Communion. We all witnessed a historic and moving occasion.
“Held on the feast day of the Annunciation, we joined in Mary’s song, ‘Tell out my soul, the greatness of the Lord.’ In this we also remembered those affected by war, and those who carry the trauma of abuse. It was a huge privilege to be there and to rejoice in all that the Church of God gives and receives.”
The service to welcome the first female Archbishop of Canterbury paid particular attention to the contribution of women to the Church and the Bishop of Lynn, the Rt Revd Jane Steen, said: “Today’s historic service of the installation of Archbishop Sarah in Canterbury was wonderful and joyous. The Archbishop’s sermon was greeted with nods and smiles of support and agreement by people of many faiths. Norfolk was well represented with the African Choir of Norfolk’s great music and an anthem setting Julian of Norwich’s words. It was humbling and joyful to be there. May God richly bless the new Archbishop for whose ministry we pray daily.“
The Bishop of Thetford, the Rt Revd Ian Bishop, said: “I feel deeply privileged to have witnessed the installation of the first woman as Archbishop. I thank God that she has such strength of faith and such conviction in the call she has received, to take on this important and challenging role. It is a new and wonderful chapter in the history of the Church.
There were several links to Norfolk, including a magnificent contribution from the African Choir of Norfolk before and after the Gospel. The choir was launched by Norfolk’s Anna Mudeka in 2019. She said: “We were all so excited to be invited. We couldn’t believe it!”
The anthem after Archbishop Sarah’s sermon was based on the words of Julian of Norwich, who lived in the city more than 600 years ago and wrote Revelations of Divine Love, including “All shall be well, and all manner of thing shall be well,” in the earliest-surviving work by a woman.
And the final hymn was Tell Out, My Soul by former Bishop of Thetford, Timothy Dudley-Smith.
Pictures above: Neil Turner for Lambeth Palace
The Bishop of Norwich with the African Choir of Norfolk