Archbishop of Canterbury Reintroduced to the House of Lords (Canterbury, United Kingdom)

Archbishop of Canterbury Dame Sarah Mullally was formally reintroduced to the House of Lords on Thursday, taking her seat among the 26 Lords Spiritual who serve in Parliament’s Upper Chamber. The ceremony followed her assumption of office as Archbishop of Canterbury, a role that requires her to hold a place in the House of Lords. Accompanied by students from the Archbishop’s School in Canterbury, she was supported by Most Reverend and Rt Hon Stephen Cottrell, Archbishop of York, and Rt Rev Debbie Sellin, Bishop of Peterborough.

Shortly after, the recently appointed Rt Rev Joanne Grenfell, Bishop of St Edmundsbury and Ipswich, was also introduced to the House of Lords. The ceremony included the reading of the writ of summons issued by His Majesty The King, followed by the administration of the Oath. Archbishop Sarah then proceeded to the Woolsack and shook hands with the Lord Speaker, marking her formal return to parliamentary duties.

Reflecting on the occasion, Archbishop Sarah spoke of the responsibility that comes with the role. “A seat in the House of Lords comes with an enormous responsibility,” she said. “I commit to bringing a compassionate voice to my role as an advocate for equity, justice and hope.” She emphasized her commitment to scrutinizing and refining legislation that improves the lives of all those who live and work in the country, regardless of faith or none.

The students who attended the ceremony were later given a tour of Parliament, including visits to Westminster Hall and the State Rooms. This experience provided them with an insight into the workings of the legislative body and its role in shaping national policy.

Archbishop Sarah previously sat in the House of Lords during her tenure as Bishop of London, where she led on issues related to health and medical ethics. She legally became Archbishop of Canterbury on 28 January and is due to be installed at Canterbury Cathedral on 25 March, after which she will formally begin her public ministry in the role.

The Archbishop’s return to the House of Lords underscores the ongoing role of the Anglican Communion in public life, balancing spiritual leadership with civic engagement. Her presence reflects the tradition of clergy serving in both ecclesiastical and parliamentary capacities, a practice rooted in the Church’s historical involvement in shaping law and policy. Micah 6:8 calls for justice, mercy, and humble service, themes that resonate with the Archbishop’s commitment to advocacy and equity.

Source: Read the original report