• Salvos attend Archbishop event
- 2 days ago
- 2 min read
Several representatives of The Salvation Army attended the installation of Dame Sarah Mullally as the 106th Archbishop of Canterbury on 25 March 2026.
This marked a historic moment as Archbishop Mullally is the first woman to hold the Church of England’s highest office.
The Salvation Army cohort included Commissioner Jane Paone (Secretary for International Ecumenical Relations), Colonel Peter Forrest (Chief Secretary, United Kingdon and Ireland) and Majors Fiona Broom and Tracey Palmer (United Kingdom and Ireland).
Set within Canterbury Cathedral on the Feast of the Annunciation, the service drew around 2000 people and a global audience via the BBC livestream. Among those present were William (Prince of Wales), Catherine (Princess of Wales) and the British Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer.
In the days before, Archbishop Mullally undertook an 87-mile pilgrimage from St Paul’s Cathedral in London to Canterbury Cathedral, meeting people, listening to stories and embodying the pastoral heart that has shaped her ministry. Formerly the youngest Chief Nursing Officer for England and the first female Bishop of London, her leadership has been defined by compassion, care and a steadfast commitment to Christ.
The installation itself balanced reverence with celebration. The formal mandate from King Charles III was read, affirming her appointment. Prayers, Scripture and songs were then shared in five languages, while the African Choir of Norfolk brought vibrant energy through music and movement. In a powerful symbolic moment, the Archbishop knocked at the cathedral door, entering as a guest and declaring: “I am Sarah, a servant of Jesus Christ. I come as one seeking the grace of God, to travel with you in his service together.”
In her sermon, Archbishop Mullally reflected on Mary’s trust and faith in God amid uncertainty, urging today’s Church to echo her response: “Here I am” (Luke 1:38). She called on Christians and leaders alike to “seek the welfare of all people”, affirming: “We are here for everyone.” Her words were met with sustained applause as she left the cathedral.
A further sign of unity came as the Presidents of Churches Together in England signed an ecumenical covenant with Archbishop Mullally, committing to a shared witness.
Celebrations continued with receptions and a dinner hosted by the Nikaean Club at the University of Kent. The following day, ecumenical representatives met the Archbishop at the Dean’s residence, where Salvation Army leaders presented copies of The Song Book of The Salvation Army and The Salvation Army Year Book 2026.
This installation marked a joyful and significant moment for the global Church. As part of a worldwide Christian community, The Salvation Army shares in the call to trust God’s promises and serve others with hope in a fractured world.
