Speaking at the general synod in London this week, Archbishop Mullally, used her first presidential address to set out the vision for her leadership of the Church of England.
She reminded her audience of the Archbishop of York’s charge to her, at the confirmation of her election last month, to be “an evangelist, a pastor, a prayerful, penitent and resilient disciple, and a teacher”, and added that she would be “faithful, prophetic, a sign of unity, trust, and accountability”, and would enable “the gifts of others to flourish”.
The emphasis of her archiepiscopate, she said, would be on the service of others: “My Christian vocation first led me to be a nurse — then later a priest, then a bishop, and now an archbishop….The theme that has run through all those chapters of my life has been washing feet and serving and caring for others.
“The role of the Archbishop of Canterbury is complex and challenging. But at its heart is something profound and simple. Along with my fellow bishops, I am called to share the hope that we have found in Jesus Christ.”
She also spoke of the challenges facing the Church of England: “We have too often failed to recognise or take seriously the abuse of power in all its forms”, she said. “Robust and transparent processes are central to the health of any institution; proper process around appointments; clear guidelines around conduct and good processes for handling concerns, complaints, and whistle-blowing.”
Read the full story in the Church Times, here.