The worrying rise of Christian nationalism should be top of a crowded in-tray for Sarah Mullally as she takes up her role
B
efore the St Paul’s Cathedral service that confirmed her on Wednesday as the first female archbishop of Canterbury, Dame Sarah Mullally repeated a proverb that has become something of a personal mantra: “If you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far, go together.” In an Anglican communion that remains bitterly divided, rancorous and unsure of its public role, an invitation to partnership and collaboration hit the right note. The formidable task now for Dame Sarah will be to provide the leadership to make it happen.
As a state-educated former NHS worker who rose to become England’s chief nursing officer, the 106th occupant of St Augustine’s chair is a very different proposition to Justin Welby, her Old Etonian predecessor. But many of the challenges she confronts remain the same. Her immediate priority must be to end the cycle of failure in dealing with historical abuse in the church, which has led to a collapse of trust in parishes and ultimately forced Mr Welby’s resignation.
After years of prevarication, a general synod next month will discuss proposals to finally outsource safeguarding to an independent body. Reform must not be delayed any longer. At the same meeting, Dame Sarah will need to reassure LGBTQ+ Anglicans that the path to same-sex marriage in the church has not been permanently closed down after bitter opposition from traditionalists. In the years ahead, progress may spell trouble for its relations with conservative members of the worldwide communion. Ultimately, however, unity without true inclusion is a hollow concept.
