Attending the installation of Dame Sarah Mullly as Archbishop of Canterbury at Canterbury Cathedral—the first woman to hold the position in its 1,400-year history.
Archbishop Sarah recently marked a historic milestone in her ministry, transitioning from the Bishop of London to the Archbishop of Canterbury. Her installation sermon, rooted in the theme of pilgrimage and the audacious trust of Mary, offers a powerful message of hope for the global church. 🌟
🚶♂️ The Pilgrim’s Path: From St Paul’s to Canterbury
Archbishop Sarah began her journey not in a car, but on foot. She walked the ancient path from St Paul’s Cathedral in London to Canterbury Cathedral, following the 850-year-old footsteps of Thomas Becket. 👣
* A Shared Journey: She emphasized that she does not walk alone but carries the prayers of the young and old she met along the way.
Trusting the Unknown: Even when the destination is unclear, she reminds us that we can trust in God’s guiding hand*.
✨ The Audacity to Trust: “Nothing is Impossible”
At the heart of her message was Luke 1:37: ‘For nothing will be impossible with God.’ She drew a beautiful parallel between the young students of today and the Virgin Mary. 📖
* Mary’s “Yes”: Like Mary, we are invited to trust in a future we cannot see.
* A Personal Reflection: The Archbishop looked back at her “teenage self,” who could never have imagined the path leading to the Seat of St Augustine.
* Resurrection Hope: Even through the “sword of grief” at the cross, Mary’s journey reminds us that pain can be transformed into the hope of the resurrection.
🌍 Healing a Broken World
Archbishop Sarah did not shy away from the harsh realities of our time. She called for ceaseless prayer and action for those in war-torn regions and those harmed by the church itself:
* Global Conflict: Prayers for peace in the Middle East, Ukraine, Sudan, and Myanmar. 🕊️
* Accountability: Acknowledging the “failures of our own Christian communities” and committing to justice and compassion for survivors of harm.
🏠 The Church: Ordinary People, Extraordinary Love
She described the Church not as a static building, but as a “pilgrim people” ready to roll up their sleeves. 🛠️❤️
The Church’s true strength lies in simple acts:
1. Sanctuary & Welcome: Offering food, shelter, and a listening ear.
2. Unity: Creating tables for conversation in a divided world.
3. Service: Joining with people of all faiths (and none) to transform society.
🙏 The Final Call: “Here I Am”
As she takes up her new mantle, Archbishop Sarah echoed Mary’s simple response to God. She encouraged everyone—no matter how hard or smooth their path—to visit a church, start a conversation, and respond with the same three words: “Here I am.”
> “May we have the audacity to believe in the promises of God: for with Him, nothing will be impossible.” — Archbishop Sarah
