Dame Sarah Mullally has made history by completing a six-day walking pilgrimage from London to Canterbury, becoming the first woman to hold the position of Archbishop of Canterbury in the Church of England’s 1,400-year existence.
The 106th Archbishop reached her destination this afternoon, greeted by jubilant crowds and the sound of cathedral bells ringing out across the city.
Around 100 people accompanied her as she walked briskly through Canterbury’s streets towards the famous cathedral.
Speaking to reporters upon arrival, Dame Sarah said: “It’s been a real joy, it’s also a joy to know that we’re done”.
Her formal enthronement takes place on Wednesday at Canterbury Cathedral, where more than 2,000 guests will witness the historic ceremony.
Dame Sarah arrived in Canterbury shortly after 2.30pm on Sunday, where she was formally received by the city’s mayor, the Bishop of Dover, and the Dean of Canterbury Cathedral, the Very Reverend David Monteith.
A growing crowd followed behind her as she completed the final stretch of her journey to the cathedral gates.
PA
She told the gathered crowd: “To have accompanied me on the way, whether physically or in prayer, I am very grateful for that, and I look forward very much to you joining with me either in person or online or in prayer on Wednesday”.
Dean Monteith remarked on her impressive pace, joking: “Your walking pace is not a walk at all”.
Wednesday’s enthronement ceremony will mark the symbolic beginning of Dame Sarah’s ministry as the Church of England’s most senior cleric.
The Prince and Princess of Wales will attend on behalf of the King, joining a congregation that includes more than two dozen from Anglican Communion churches worldwide.
Several pioneering female Anglican bishops from across Africa will participate in a procession through the cathedral.
The Vatican will send a representative from the Holy See, while the Archbishop of Westminster will deliver an Old Testament reading.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch are both expected to attend, alongside other faith leaders, charity representatives, healthcare workers and schoolchildren.
Dame Sarah was first announced as Archbishop last October and had her election confirmed at St Paul’s Cathedral in January.
Dame Sarah Mullally was greeted by the Bishop of Dover the Right Reverend Rose Hudson-Wilkin (centre) and the Dean of Canterbury Cathedral, the Very Reverend Dr. David Monteith (left)
|
PA
Before her ordination, Dame Sarah served as chief nursing officer for England, a background that has shaped her approach to the enthronement ceremony.
She has extended personal invitations to NHS nurses and carers working in hospitals and hospices across Canterbury to attend Wednesday’s service.
The ceremony will proceed without additional safety measures despite an ongoing meningitis outbreak in Kent, though officials remain in contact with health authorities to monitor developments.
Dame Sarah addressed the outbreak earlier this week, expressing her condolences to families affected by the deaths of two young people.
She said: “My heart goes out to them in their devastating loss”.
Her first sermon as Archbishop will be delivered at the historic ceremony, marking the formal start of her leadership of the worldwide Anglican Communion.