A New Chapter for the Church: Welcoming the Archbishop of Canterbury

As the seasons change and autumn gives way to winter, the Church of England enters a new season of its own. This November, we give thanks for the appointment of Dame Sarah Mullally as the 106th Archbishop of Canterbury — and, for the first time in history, a woman will lead the Anglican Communion from that ancient seat at Canterbury.

For many, this moment feels like a gentle whisper of renewal — not a sudden wind, but a steady breeze of God’s ongoing work through His people. It is a reminder that the Holy Spirit continues to raise up servants for each generation, calling both women and men to shepherd His Church with faith and humility.

Sarah Mullaly’s Life of Service so far

Before her ordination, Dame Sarah served as a nurse and later as Chief Nursing Officer for England — a life already devoted to care, compassion, and healing. Her journey into ministry was marked not by ambition, but by obedience. “My call to serve God has always been about saying ‘yes’ to Him,” she once said, “even when I did not know what that ‘yes’ would lead to.” That same spirit of trust now carries her into this new calling. She will officially take up her post in early 2026. Her appointment comes at a time when the Church faces many challenges — questions of unity, trust, and relevance — but also fresh opportunities to bear witness to the unchanging love of Christ.

Hope for a Divided World

Across our nation and the wider world, people are hungry for hope, for meaning, and for leaders who serve rather than rule. Archbishop-designate Mullally has spoken often about the need for the Church to be a place of “listening, healing, and reconciliation.” Those words are not only timely — they are biblical. Jesus said, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God.” (Matthew 5:9) As Christians, we are all called to that work — to be agents of peace in our families, our communities, and our church life, our work life and to play our part in the peace of the world, where possible.

The Archbishop’s appointment reminds us that leadership in God’s kingdom always begins with service and humility.

Gratitude and Prayer

As November invites us into thanksgiving, we can give thanks for the new leadership God provides for His Church. Let us also hold Archbishop Mullally in prayer: That she may be guided by wisdom and grace; That she may be a bridge-builder in a divided world; That her leadership might draw people closer to Jesus, the true Shepherd of us all. And perhaps we might ask ourselves: how can we live out that same spirit of service in our own communities? Whether we are called to lead a parish, serve a neighbour, or simply pray faithfully, God delights in every small act of obedience done in His name.

Our prayer for this time

Lord of the Church,

We thank You for calling Dame Sarah Mullally to serve as Archbishop of Canterbury.

Bless her with courage, compassion, and wisdom.

Strengthen Your whole Church to be one in faith,

steadfast in hope, and rich in love.

May Your Spirit guide us all as we follow Jesus,

our Lord and Saviour.

Amen.

One piece of scripture that keeps coming back to me time and time again for this season as we head into the Christmas season, is, ‘I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me’ Philippians 4:13 and I offer it to you as a help with anything you may need help with. May God give you the strength you need at this time.

Don’t forget I am your Priest in this place and I am happy to meet you for a chat, if that would be helpful for you. There are plenty of opportunities for us to come together as a community and I look forward to meeting you at one of these events advertised in this magazine.

Every blessing

Alison