New Archbishop of Canterbury!

Dear Friends,

You may by now have heard the news that I have accepted the invitation to become the next Archbishop of Canterbury. It is undoubtedly an extraordinary honour and privilege. Yet this moment is tinged with profound personal sadness, as I begin to absorb what I will be leaving behind.

My seven years with you in the Diocese of London have truly been a joy. I had fully expected to be here for seven more. You have shaped my ministry, and prepared me in every way for this moment. I will be eternally grateful for the clergy and lay people alongside whom I have served across the Diocese, in the many communities I have come to know and will continue to cherish.

Although the announcement has been made today, I will remain in the Diocese of London and working from The Old Deanery for some months to come. The ceremony known as the Confirmation of Election will take place at St Paul’s Cathedral on 28 January 2026, with the Installation at Canterbury Cathedral in March 2026.

My priority therefore in the coming weeks and months will be to ensure that you are all held as we prepare for this change. I am grateful that, when the time does come for me to depart, Bishop Emma has agreed to take up the role of Acting Diocesan Bishop and Area Bishop for the Two Cities, alongside her duties as Bishop of Kensington. She will be provided with additional support, alongside the team at The Old Deanery. There will also be further support for Stepney, where the process of appointing Bishop Joanne’s successor will continue.

I realise you will all have more questions, and I can assure you this is not yet goodbye. For now, thank you for your ongoing partnership, friendship and support. I could not do this without you, or without the God who sustains me.

Please pray for me as I continue to pray for you.

The Rt Revd & Rt Hon Dame Sarah Mullally DBE