The Room Where It Happened: Inside the Installation of Archbishop Sarah Mullally

It is a rare and wonderful experience to witness a day with such historical significance that the eyes of the world are focused on a single room. For Rev. Dr. John F. Ross, Executive Director of The Saint John’s Bible Heritage Program, witnessing the installation of Sarah Mullally at Canterbury Cathedral was one of those days.

“Sheila and I were immediately aware that we had just witnessed history in the making,” said Rev. Dr. Ross.

Just as the new Archbishop and British Royalty were to do a few hours later, Rev. Dr. Ross and his wife, Sheila Ross, walked through the towering west entrance of Canterbury Cathedral with great anticipation.

Ross had received detailed instructions on what to wear, when to arrive, and where to sit at the Installation, but had no part in determining how The Saint John’s Bible Heritage Edition would be used in the ceremony. Canterbury Cathedral had acquired this Heritage Edition three years earlier, thanks to the generosity of Elaine and Bruce Culver. This was the first time it was to be used in an Installation ceremony.

So, when he walked in and saw the Heritage Edition prominently displayed on the Nave altar, where it would play a central role in the ceremony, Rev. Dr. Ross was floored. Even for someone who has spent the last several years interacting with a Heritage Edition nearly every day, this was a sight to behold.

Others seemed to agree. Prior to the ceremony, Ross stood near the volume and answered questions from many prominent clergy members, including the Archbishop of York, Stephen Cottrell. All who encountered The Saint John’s Bible in that remarkable setting were moved to reverent silence.

Many wonderful conversations ensued, including one with Domenica Pecoraro, strategic lead for sanctuary and racial justice for the Diocese of Canterbury, who read the fourth stanza of the five prayers scheduled for later in the service. She was seated beside Rev. Dr. Ross, and together they discussed the state of affairs in the world and how more and more people are being displaced and seeking refuge. Though this day was triumphant for the role of women in the church, it was also undoubtedly marked by the global suffering happening outside of the Cathedral walls.

Three Knocks on a Door

The ceremony began at 3 pm GMT, with a long stream of processions as the congregation welcomed Anglican clergy from around the world. At the very end of the colorful procession, William, the Prince of Wales, and Kate, Princess of Wales, walked humbly down the aisle and assumed their seats, which are always reserved for Royalty, in the quire.

Once the procession came to an end, The Very Reverend David Monteith DL, 40th Dean of Canterbury since the New Foundation, offered a statement of welcome.

“This is a truly global gathering as we welcome those from around the Diocese and the County of Kent, from England and the nations of the United Kingdom, and from around the world,” said Rev. Monteith. “We meet in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, in whose service we are all united.”

A hymn was sung through the church as the procession moved from the West End to the Compass Rose. Dean Monteith read the mandate, then all two thousand people in the Cathedral moved to face West. Silence ensued, then three hearty knocks on the door made by Archbishop Mullally striking the front doors with her crosier announced her presence. This tradition is centuries-old and signifies the new Archbishop assuming her role as a humble servant.

Archbishop Mullally spoke directly to children from John Wallis Academy, a local school in Ashford, England, as she spoke the words, “I am Sarah, a servant of Jesus Christ, and I come as one seeking the grace of God, to travel with you in his service together.”

The Penitential Rite brought with it its own hymn, prayer, and procession, and then, the time came for the Archbishop to declare the Corporal Oath.

For the Declaration of Assent and the Oaths, the Archbishop stood before the Nave Altar, where the Gospel & Acts volume of the Heritage Edition lay open to the “Word Made Flesh” illumination by Donald Jackson. The Archbishop placed her hand upon the Bible.

In the presence of the Prince and Princess of Wales, and hundreds of Anglican clergy from across the world, Mullally swore the Corporal Oath on a Heritage Edition of The Saint John’s Bible. The Rosses couldn’t have been more than 50 feet away from the Archbishop during the oath.

“It was an honor of the highest regard to be there,” said Rev. Dr. Ross. “The creators and the commissioners of The Saint John’s Bible have always insisted that it truly be created as a Bible for the 21st Century. They did it with an eye to the future. The enthronement of a woman as the Archbishop of Canterbury is as important a look into the future as there could be for global Christianity. It’s the kind of open optimism that we need.”

When the Oath was done, the Archbishop removed her palm from the Heritage Edition as the African Choir of Norfolk streamed down the aisles, singing, dancing, and playing instruments joyfully in vibrant orange gowns. The Rosses were so close to the choir that their dresses swept their knees and ankles. Rev. Dr. Ross admits he teared up during this moment.

“Here we are with one of the largest religious groups in the world being the first among them to put a woman in the highest position of all,” said Rev. Dr. Ross. “Especially given all the social and political turmoil of the last decade, that was a real moment of hope and optimism for me, not just because she’s a woman, but because of everything that she’s going to bring to the position. The Archbishop has a very humble background. She served as a nurse without any fanfare or credit. And now she’s the top leader of a global order. It’s awe-inspiring.”

After the ceremony, many members of the congregation lingered in the space, hoping to drink in every second of the day before it ceased. While standing near the Bible, Ross overheard a woman say, “This is absolutely a Bible befitting of this occasion. Amazing.”

The Hard Work of a New Era

The train ride back to the hotel was similar to the one that took the Rosses to Canterbury, in that white clerical collars filled each seat and aisle. As the sunny glow of the ceremony began to set, so did the reality of what came next.

The Rosses felt the shift along with others on the train.

“On the train ride home, we discussed how the honeymoon is going to end, and Archbishop Sarah will face many challenges,” said Rev. Dr. Ross. “That was a high and holy, sacred day, but it won’t be long before she’s back doing the hard, hard work that comes with ministry. She will continue to need our support and our prayers beyond this day of celebration.”

At that, let us continue to support Archbishop Sarah, and keep our eyes set on a more loving and just future for all.

The Saint John’s Bible: Ignite the Spiritual Imagination

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