Historic Installation of Dame Sarah Mullally as Archbishop of Canterbury
Dame Sarah Mullally is set to be installed as the first female leader of the Church of England at Canterbury Cathedral. The event marks a significant milestone in the church's history, as all 105 previous Archbishops of Canterbury, dating back to St Augustine in 597 AD, have been men. Women were only permitted to become priests in the Church of England starting in 1994.
On the eve of the installation service, the Archbishop of Canterbury spoke to the BBC, emphasizing that the ceremony would feature "women's voices right the way through it." The Prince and Princess of Wales will attend the service as representatives of King Charles and will witness Dame Sarah's inaugural sermon as archbishop.
Among the approximately 2,000 guests invited are nurses and carers from Canterbury, reflecting Dame Sarah's extensive background in nursing. Despite a recent fatal meningitis outbreak in the city, no changes to the planned events were deemed necessary.
Significance of the Enthronement and Dame Sarah's Reflections
The installation, traditionally known as an enthronement, symbolizes the commencement of Dame Sarah's public ministry as Archbishop of Canterbury. Reflecting on her appointment, Dame Sarah stated to the BBC:
"Once I try and get my head around being the archbishop, I recognise the significance of being the first female archbishop, but I am also aware of the women that have supported me in my ministry."
She acknowledged the support she has received from men as well but noted that the service would distinctly celebrate women. She added:
"But [it's] also being able to say to other people, in a sense, it's entirely possible for you to follow your dreams and what you want to do."
Dame Sarah's Career and Pilgrimage
Dame Sarah's career began in 1980 as a nurse, eventually becoming the youngest ever chief nursing officer for England in 1999. She continued in that role when she was ordained as a priest in 2002 and later became the first female Bishop of London in 2018.
In the days leading up to the installation, Dame Sarah undertook a pilgrimage, walking nearly 90 miles over six days from St Paul's Cathedral to Canterbury Cathedral.
Installation Service and Ceremony Details
The theme of pilgrimage is central to the installation service, with religious rites performed at various locations throughout Canterbury Cathedral, moving from its westernmost to easternmost points.
The ceremony will commence with Dame Sarah knocking three times on the West Door of the cathedral using her pastoral staff, after which she will be welcomed by local schoolchildren.
In the nave, she will swear an oath on the Saint John's Bible, marking the first use of a new Bible in such a ceremony since 1945, symbolizing a step toward modernization.
In the choir, she will be installed as Bishop of the Diocese of Canterbury in the "Cathedral Chair" before proceeding to the renowned "Chair of St Augustine" to be installed as Primate of All England.
While the service maintains its historical significance, Dame Sarah has contributed to the selection of some hymns. The congregation will include dignitaries, faith leaders, and NHS nurses and carers from the Canterbury area.
The service will also acknowledge the diversity of the global Anglican Communion, featuring singing in Urdu, a Gospel reading in Spanish, and a prayer in the Bemba language of Zambia.
Challenges and Opposition within the Church
Despite progress, some traditionalists within the Church of England and the wider Anglican Communion continue to oppose the ordination of women as priests. Earlier this month, conservative clergy met in Abuja, Nigeria, to select their own leader in opposition to Dame Sarah, choosing the Rwandan archbishop Laurent Mbanda.
Dame Sarah will also collaborate with bishops in England who hold beliefs that preclude them from ordaining women.
Ongoing Issues and Leadership Responsibilities
In addition to gender-related challenges, Dame Sarah faces ongoing controversies within the Church of England, including debates over same-sex unions. The resignation of her predecessor, Justin Welby, amid criticism of his handling of a serious abuse case, places significant scrutiny on her leadership regarding safeguarding.
Addressing these concerns the day before her installation, Dame Sarah said:
"In my thoughts and my prayers continue to be victims and survivors of abuse and the Church has sought to improve what we do."
"Light should be shone on all our actions. And the more senior we are, the more light should be shone. That is absolutely right."
She further stated:
"I am going to be the Archbishop because of the experiences that I have had, whether as a nurse or as a priest or as a bishop. And I continue to make my commitment to do all I can to ensure that the Church becomes safer."
