The Diocese of Canterbury held a service of welcome at Canterbury Cathedral on Saturday 28 March, celebrating the role the Archbishop of Canterbury has as the diocesan bishop of Canterbury.
Taking place shortly after her installation, the service was an opportunity for over 950 people from the local community to welcome Archbishop Sarah as she begins her ministry.
In her sermon, Archbishop Sarah said: “What a joy to be with you this afternoon and to receive such a wonderful welcome in the Diocese of Canterbury. It is a real delight. I am so glad to be here.”
There was a clear message of welcome throughout, with two powerful testimonies from people who have found belonging in our churches.
One of these testimonies was shared by Reem Khider, trustee of the Social Justice Network and a national community sponsorship representative for the Church of England. Reem reflected on her experience of working with communities who welcome and support people seeking refuge.
Reem said: “As someone who has experienced the importance of a warm and welcoming community, I felt honoured and privileged to take part in the service and to help welcome Archbishop Sarah.”
Mel, a member of Ignite in All Saints, Canterbury also shared her story of finding faith. She experienced church support with debt help, a food larder, and has now found community in Ignite, a café style church for people who may not feel comfortable in a traditional church service.
Young people played a meaningful part in the service too, with participants from our diocesan Growing Young Leaders programme interviewing the Archbishop, asking questions from faith to advice for school.
One of the Growing Young Leaders participants, Gregory said: “I was lucky enough to ask her questions about her faith and her aspirations as Archbishop which was quite interesting and exciting."
Music for the service included contributions from the Hythe Youth Choir, Cathedral choir and the worship band from Holy Trinity Margate, offering a blend of traditional and more contemporary styles that reflects the breadth of worshipping life across the Diocese.
Similarly, the prayers saw a range of contributors, from a primary school aged child to an Anna chaplain, who ministers with older people.
Bishop of Dover, Rose Hudson-Wilkin offered her welcome to Archbishop Sarah at the end of the service.
She said: “Thank you for saying ‘yes’, because that made this evening possible.”
If you missed the service, you can watch it back on the