At Christian Aid, we welcome the news of Bishop Sarah Mullally, the Chair of Christian Aid, being appointed the Archbishop of Canterbury.
Patrick Watt, the Chief Executive of Christian Aid, said Bishop Mullally demonstrated a “deep commitment to a more just world, and to building bridges with people of all faiths and beliefs in pursuit of the common good” in her role with Christian Aid.
During the last sixteen months as Chair of Christian Aid, Bishop Sarah visited partners in Colombia which offered a powerful glimpse into the work being done on the ground to defend indigenous lands and support women-led sustainable agriculture initiatives.
The incoming Archbishop of Canterbury has also used her platform at Christian Aid to urge the UK Government to “reject the false choice between defence and development” in the wake of international aid cuts.
Just last month, she joined other faith leaders in calling on world leaders to adopt a legally binding international treaty that holds corporations accountable for human rights abuses and environmental destruction.
Patrick Watt, the Chief Executive of Christian Aid, said:
'Christian Aid wholeheartedly welcomes Bishop Sarah's appointment as the Archbishop of Canterbury, and we look forward to working with her to strengthen the partnership between the Anglican Communion and Christian Aid’s work to fight poverty and injustice.
'We wish her well and are praying for her as she prepares for this vitally important position, which serves not only the Church of England and the global Anglican Communion, but also plays such an important role in British society at large.
'I have had the privilege of working closely with her in her role as Chair of Christian Aid for the last 16 months. During that time, she has given wise and assured direction and support, demonstrating her deep commitment to a more just world, and to building bridges with people of all faiths and beliefs in pursuit of the common good.
'Bishop Sarah has also spent time meeting churches and supporters, visiting partners in Colombia to see first-hand the impact of their work, and spoken out powerfully on issues from global debt to human rights abuses and environmental destruction.
'I would also like to celebrate Bishop Sarah’s historic appointment as the first woman bishop to become Archbishop of Canterbury. Having blazed a trail as the first woman Bishop of London and with her clear commitment to equality, her appointment will reverberate beyond church walls.'
Bishop Sarah on justice and hope
At Christian Aid’s 80th anniversary service at Westminster Abbey in June this year, Bishop Sarah reflected on how the moral leadership of churches contributed to the post-war development of international law and the United Nations.
She highlighted how challenges like the climate crisis inequality, war and nationalism, are putting pressure on these institutions and called for a recommitment to the cause of equality, justice, and human dignity, and for the church to continue to draw on hope from God.
Lifting up Bishop Sarah in prayer
We pray for the Church of England and the Anglican Communion as they announce a new Archbishop of Canterbury.
God of justice and righteousness,
We ask your blessing for leaders in our churches and our communities.
We pray to you particularly for the Church of England and the Anglican Communion, as the new Archbishop of Canterbury is announced.
Grant Bishop Sarah wisdom and courage as she takes on this role.
Together with Bishop Sarah, may we be guided by your Spirit,
That we may more perfectly serve you, and one another, in love.
Unite us in the practice of compassion.
Ignite in us a shared determination to see a more just world.
May your grace and peace be with Bishop Sarah in abundance, today and always.
In Jesus’ name.
