The Secretary General of the Anglican Communion, the Rt Revd Anthony Poggo, has shared a message of support ahead of the Installation of the Most Revd and Rt Hon Dame Sarah Mullally as the 106th Archbishop of Canterbury. The Installation service is on Wednesday 25 March at Canterbury Cathedral.

In his message, Bishop Anthony invites prayer for Archbishop Sarah as she begins her public ministry, prays for Anglicans around the world and gives thanks for the Anglican Communion.

The message reads:

It is a joyful moment to prepare for Archbishop Sarah Mullally’s Installation as the 106th Archbishop of Canterbury. May God sustain and equip her as she serves his Church and prepares to take up her public ministry.

The office of the Archbishop of Canterbury carries an important pastoral and collegial ministry within our global Anglican Communion family, working to foster Christian unity and partnership in proclaiming the hope of the Gospel.

I am full of joy that so many Primates and representatives of Anglican Communion churches are making the journey to Canterbury to pray and mark this occasion together. We also think of our sisters and brothers who will be praying and supporting from afar.

We consider especially those who are living in places of extreme conflict and hardship. We assure you of our prayers at this time.

During the Archbishop’s Installation service, worshippers will gather at Canterbury Cathedral. There, set into the floor, at the east end of the nave, is the image of the Compass Rose – a symbol of the life and reach of our Communion.

Just as a compass points North, South, East and West, it reminds us that the love of Christ is universal, reaching around the globe and calling all people and every nation. It is a love shared through the mission and service of every Anglican member church around the world.

At the heart of the Compass Rose is the verse from John 8:32: ‘The truth shall set you free’. As we welcome the new Archbishop of Canterbury, let us pray that God will grant her courage to lead with truth and wisdom, and assure her of our partnership in the Gospel.

Together, in the power of God’s Spirit, let us proclaim the Gospel, serve our communities, and build bridges of peace in our world.

Further information

Watch a film of the Secretary General’s message.

Learn more about the Installation of the Archbishop of Canterbury and where to watch the livestream of the service.