The first woman Archbishop of Canterbury will be installed in a historic ceremony in Canterbury Cathedral tomorrow (Wednesday March 25).
More than 2,000 people will attend the joyful service, welcoming Archbishop Sarah Mullally, who will lead the Church of England and the world-wide Anglican Communion.
Members of the congregation will include 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 will join bishops and archbishops from around the world in Canterbury Cathedral.
The Bishop of Norwich, the Rt Revd Graham Usher, was part of the Crown Nominations Commission which helped choose the new Archbishop of Canterbury.
The Bishop of Thetford, the Rt Revd Ian Bishop, said: “I know that people will be praying for Archbishop Sarah. 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 and I feel deeply privileged to witness the installation of the first woman as Archbishop.”
The Bishop of Lynn, the Rt Revd Jane Steen, said: “I was delighted to learn that the African Choir of Norfolk would be singing for Archbishop Sarah’s installation. Their singing at Norwich’s last Black History Month service was wonderful. It will be great to hear them again and to celebrate Dame Sarah and the diversity of our church and county.”
The service to welcome the first female Archbishop of Canterbury will pay particular attention to the contribution of women to the Church. There are also Norfolk connections including:
The anthem, All Shall Be Well, by composer Joanna Marsh. It is 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.
The African Choir of Norfolk, who will sing the music to greet the proclamation of the Gospel during the service. The vibrant choir, founded in Norfolk in 2019 by Anna Mudeka, features music and musicians from many African countries.
