{"id":83787,"date":"2026-03-27T09:51:38","date_gmt":"2026-03-27T08:51:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.chemin-neuf.org\/the-installation-of-the-106th-archbishop-of-canterbury\/"},"modified":"2026-04-29T11:42:19","modified_gmt":"2026-04-29T09:42:19","slug":"the-installation-of-the-106th-archbishop-of-canterbury","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sanlo-project.chemin-neuf.org\/en\/the-installation-of-the-106th-archbishop-of-canterbury\/","title":{"rendered":"The installation of the 106th Archbishop of Canterbury"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

By Sr Anne-Cathy Graber, with Sr Pascale Avice<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Anne-Cathy Graber and Pascale Avice, sisters from the Chemin Neuf Community, were invited to attend the installation of Sarah Mullally as the 106th Archbishop of Canterbury on 25 March. Pascale Avice served for many years at Lambeth Palace with the Chemin Neuf Community. Anne-Cathy Graber, a Mennonite pastor, was invited in her capacity as Director of Ecumenical Relations for the Mennonite World Conference. Anne-Cathy shares her impressions of a woman who is part of a journey already committed to listening and encounter. From her arrival as a pilgrim to a simple, fraternal time spent with a few church leaders, something of the face of a Church on the move and in dialogue was revealed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What if we were to discuss the installation ceremony of the new Archbishop of Canterbury, Primate of the Anglican Communion, by first looking at the events that preceded and followed it? Indeed, two moments frame this historic occasion and bear witness to Archbishop Sarah Mullally\u2019s personal choices. Two moments: one reported by the media, the other experienced in complete privacy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Setting out from London, where she was a bishop, Sarah Mullally arrived in Canterbury as a pilgrim, with her husband, after a 10-day walk during which she met with local churches, organisations\u2026 and all those who wished to join her on her journey for a few kilometres. A beautiful parable of a synodal authority that \u2018walks with\u2019 and listens! This was the event that preceded the installation ceremony itself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It was this same witness of an authority that listens and draws near that some of us experienced the day after the magnificent celebration. Indeed, rather unexpectedly, the church leaders present at the celebration were invited for a time of fellowship. After welcoming the Catholic delegation<\/a> and then the Orthodox one, the Protestant leaders\u2014due to the late nature of the invitation\u2014numbered just\u2026 six (!)\u2026 Moreover, these were not representatives of the major Protestant traditions (Lutheran, Reformed, Methodist, etc.) but leaders from the Salvation Army, the Quakers, the Mennonites, and the World Christian Forum. Archbishop Sarah Mullally opened the gathering by saying how important it was to her that the other Churches had been present at this celebration and that the ecumenical call was fundamental to her ministry. She invited each of us to share what we thought and had taken away from the previous evening\u2019s celebration. Then, one of us suggested that we pray together, spontaneously. This was done very simply. To conclude, the Quaker leader invited us, in accordance with his own tradition, to a time of silent prayer. Simplicity, fellowship, and a touch of emotion\u2026 The few Anglican bishops present at the back of the room confirmed that this was not all that common, but how very much in keeping with this woman\u2019s character.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As for the service, it would be best to watch it, as it is a lovely way to get a feel for the Anglican liturgy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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