The Episcopal Diocese of Texas joins the worldwide Anglican Communion in celebrating a landmark moment in the life of the Church: the installation of Sarah Mullally as the 106th Archbishop of Canterbury, in a solemn and joyful service held on March 25 at the historic Canterbury Cathedral. Among the distinguished leaders gathered from across the Anglican and Episcopal world were Bishop Andy Doyle and his wife JoAnne Doyle, who were specially invited to witness the occasion. Presiding Bishop Sean Rowe and several other representatives of The Episcopal Church were also in attendance, a testament to the deep and enduring bonds that unite our diocese with this vast global communion of faith.
Mullally makes history as the first woman to hold the office of Archbishop of Canterbury — a milestone she acknowledged with grace and humility in her sermon. Drawing on the legacy of Thomas Becket, who served in that same role 850 years ago, she reminded the congregation that she walks this path not alone, but “with others and in the footsteps of the past,” in the company of the countless unnamed Christians who have trodden these ancient roads of faith for centuries. Her words of self-presentation before the assembly were as moving as they were simple: “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.”
One of the most inspiring moments of her sermon came when Mullally reflected on the journey that had brought her to Canterbury: “As I look back over my life, at the teenage Sarah who put her faith in God and made a commitment to follow Jesus, I could never have imagined the future that lay ahead, and certainly not the ministry to which I am now called.” Invoking the figure of Mary—whose trust in God echoes the stories of faithful women throughout Scripture—she offered a vision of ministry rooted not in ambition, but in surrender and hope. The Episcopal Diocese of Texas stands in prayer and gratitude alongside the entire Episcopal and Anglican Communion as this new and promising chapter in the life of the Church begins.
