LONDON LETTER: Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland

‘Teenage me could not have imagined this’ says first female Archbishop of Canterbury

Dame Sarah raises a hand while holding staff and wearing robes in a close up photo of her giving a sermon during the ceremony.

London letter from Rt Rev Rosie Frew

The first female Archbishop of Canterbury said her teenage self “could never have imagined the future that lay ahead”, during her installation as leader of the Church of England.

In her first sermon as archbishop, Dame Sarah Mullally said: “As I look back over my life – at the teenage Sarah, who put her faith in God and made a commitment to follow Jesus, I could never have imagined the future that lay ahead, and certainly not the ministry to which I am now called.”

Addressing some 2,000 guests at Canterbury Cathedral, including the Prince and Princess of Wales, she also warned against overlooking victims harmed by “the failures of those in our own Christian churches and communities”.

Also present were nurses and carers from Canterbury, to reflect Dame Sarah’s long career as a nurse.

I’ve just arrived home after two nights in Canterbury celebrating the Installation of the the new Archbishop. A busy time of hospitality and friendship. An historic time for the Church of England, the Anglican communion, and for the first female Archbishop.

The Lord Mayor welcomed international and ecumenical visitors at a reception on Tuesday evening in the Beaney Museum – where we learned that Canterbury is home to Smallfilms, creators of Bagpuss, the Clangers and Ivor the Engine!

On Wednesday afternoon the Cathedral was alive with music and song as clergy from around the world gathered along with civil representatives, nurses, schoolchildren, friends and family. Reference was made to those absent as they were unable to travel due to the war in Iran. It was a joyful time of worship with a real international feel. The spontaneous applause as Archbishop Sarah left the Cathedral summed up the mood of the day. Photography was not permitted during the service, you can watch on BBC iPlayer.

The service was followed by a number of receptions. I was at the Archbishop of York’s reception for interfaith and ecumenical visitors. He put on a lovely spread!! The local school children who were also there had a great time.

In the evening buses took us out to the University of Kent for a dinner hosted by the Nikaean Club, again for overseas and ecumenical visitors. I was asked to sit at the top table next to the Archbishop’s husband, Mr Eamonn Mullally. A most enjoyable evening – interesting conversation, good food and all against a backdrop of Canterbury Cathedral lit up in the distance.