New Archbishop
Archbishop Sarah Mullally takes up Primatial Cross at Confirmation of Election service
Posted on: January 28, 2026 3:58 PM
The Archbishop of Canterbury at the Confirmation of Election service, at St Paul's Cathedral, 28 January 2026.
Archbishop Sarah Mullally took up the Primatial Cross as the 106th Archbishop of Canterbury during a Confirmation of Election service held at St Paul’s Cathedral. Her public duties begin in March, after an Installation service in Canterbury.
From bishops and clergy, to local school children and choirs, St Paul’s Cathedral was full, for a Confirmation of Election service that enjoyed diverse participation of people from across the Church of England and the Anglican Communion.
The Confirmation of Election is a legal ceremony set within a church service. It marked the moment at which the legal functions of office become vested in the new archbishop.
Presided over by the Archbishop of York, the Most Revd Stephen Cottrell and other appointed bishops (with the assistance of the Vicar-General of the Province), they sat as a court, ensuring that the legal procedural steps have been carried out in appointing Archbishop Sarah to office.
The Archbishop-Elect took the oath of allegiance and made declaration of assent to her new office.
Archbishop Sarah Mullally during her Confirmation of Election.
During the service, the Archbishop of York, along with others participants, gave words of encouragement to Archbishop Sarah. Described as ‘the Charge’ in the Order of Service, this was a moment of affirmation, mandating Archbishop Sarah in her spiritual, pastoral and missionary responsibilities.
Speaking directly to Archbishop Sarah, as they stood face-to-face on the Dais at St Paul’s, Archbishop Stephen warmly encouraged Archbishop Sarah to ‘Be Yourself’.
He said: ‘….standing here, one disciple speaking to another, and therefore one beggar telling another beggar where to get bread, it is the very best - and indeed the only - thing I have to say to you: Sarah; be yourself. For it is you that God has called to be 106th Archbishop of Canterbury. It is you, with your particular blend of gifts, passions, experiences, and with your wisdom and your ‘uniquely blessed-Sarah’ lens through which to see and understand and share the gospel of Jesus Christ and build the Church.
‘And while the world may be very interested in the fact that you are the first female Archbishop of Canterbury, I think God is very interested in the fact that this is the first time Sarah has been the Archbishop of Canterbury. And the only time. And you receive the baton – or in this case the crosier - from those who have gone before; and in due course you will pass it on.’
Earlier, he also expressed support from the bishops present, saying: ‘Recalling God's mission entrusted by Christ to His Church to proclaim God's Kingdom, to heal the sick, and to make disciples of all nations, we will share with you the tasks and ministries, discerned in consultation, prayer and reflection by those called to serve on the Crown Nominations Commission, to guide you as you take up your new office and ministry.’
The Archbishop of York welcomed Archbishop Sarah Mullally during her Confirmation of Election.
Two of the Anglican Communion members who were on the Crown Nominations Commission for the Archbishop of Canterbury were present at the Confirmation of Election. The Reverend Canon Isaac Beach, from the Anglican Church in Aotearoa, New Zealand and Polynesia, shared a prayer and Joaquin Philpotts, Lay Minister in the Anglican Diocese of Argentina, spoke a message of encouragement during The Charge.
Joaquin Philpotts, Lay Minister in the Anglican Diocese of Argentina.
Today’s service sought to reflect the breadth and diversity of the church. As well as clergy and laity from The Church of England and Anglican Communion, the service featured groups with close ties to the Diocese of London, where Bishop Sarah has served since 2018. Participants included students from The Urswick School, The Gospel Choir of Christ’s Hospital Song and students from St Michael’s CE Primary School, Enfield.
The Confirmation of Election enjoyed contributions from diverse groups.
Archbishop Sarah’s first act as Archbishop was to take up the Primatial Cross and give the blessing at the end of the service. By tradition, Archbishop Sarah will begin her public ministry and full programme of public engagements following her Installation.
Archbishop Sarah takes up her Primatial Cross.
Speaking about the Confirmation of Election, The Rt Revd Anthony Poggo, Secretary General of the Anglican Communion, said: 'I give thanks for Bishop Sarah and the confirmation of her election as the Archbishop of Canterbury. As she prepares for her installation and public ministry this March, I assure her of our prayers and support. May God grant the archbishop understanding and discernment as she works to serve the Member churches of the Anglican Communion, foster bonds of friendship, and encourage them in sharing the Good News of the Christian faith around the world.'
Read the full transcript of the Charge by The Archbishop of York.
Read more about the Archbishop of Canterbury.
See the order of service from the Confirmation of Election service.
Photos from the Confirmation of Election service were taken by Graham Lacdao / St Paul’s Cathedral.