The Primates of the Anglican Church in Aotearoa, New Zealand and Polynesia took part in yesterday's installation of Archbishop Sarah Mullally as Archbishop of Canterbury from the heart of the Cathedral, overlooking her ascent to the primatial throne of Saint Augustine.

Before the event, Archbishop Don Tamihere expressed his hope that the new Archbishop's installation would faithfully reflect the wide diversity that enriches the churches of the Anglican Communion. 

“When a service gathers many languages and cultures into one act of worship, we see something of the Anglican Communion ...as a body in which indigenous peoples and culturally grounded expressions of faith are not diminished, but can flourish.” he said.

Speaking after the service, he expressed how it was to stand in support of Archbishop Sarah Mullally.

"Joy was the defining sense of the moment for me, and a genuine Spirit of celebration - celebrating Dame Sarah as a person, and as symbolic of what we collectively as an Anglican Communion can and should be." 

For Archbishop Sione Ulu'ilakepa the liturgy captured the spirit of the day, and turned his thoughts to the future.

"The service itself speaks volumes about the occasion's joy and happiness, looking forward to seeing Archbishop Sarah as an instrument of God that surprises us through her leadership in the Church."  

Director of Anglican Missions Rev Michael Hartfield was present too, as a representative of the Anglican Alliance, the Anglican Communion's aid and development network.

Michael was inspired and humbled to see the global church in action.

"I felt quietly optimistic that in this current climate of chaos and carnage, the Anglican Church is there “before, during and after”. The critical relevance and role of the church shone through the pomp, pageantry and tradition."

Michael was particularly struck by what impact the Church can have when everyone pulls together, and was heartened to be part of its global work for justice and compassionate care. 

"In the margins of the installation itself, the Anglican Alliance ensured that issues close to the heart of Anglican Missions were not forgotten - in particular supporting our brothers and sisters in the Middle East."

Archbishop Justin Duckworth felt a deep sense of joy woven throughout the liturgy.

"There was joy in the gathering of the Communion, joy in the prayer and music, and joy that felt both grounded and hopeful." he said. 

He was also struck by the humility embodied by Archbishop Sarah throughout the service.

"Her posture was not one of triumph or display, but of attentiveness and service — a quiet confidence rooted in vocation rather than office."

Archbishop Justin found it profoundly fitting that the installation took place on the Feast of the Annunciation.

"Mary’s courageous and trusting “yes” to God’s call offers a powerful frame for this moment: a reminder that leadership in the Church begins in listening, consent, and faithfulness."

"Holding together joy, humility, and a willing yes seemed entirely appropriate for this moment in the life of the Communion."

Watch the Archbishop of Canterbury's installation here.
Learn more about Archbishop of Canterbury Sarah Mullally