Archbishop of Canterbury, United Kingdom, to Begin Historic Six-Day Pilgrimage from London to Canterbury

The Archbishop of Canterbury, Dame Sarah Mullally, will begin a six-day pilgrimage from London to Canterbury, marking the first such journey by a new archbishop in modern times. The 140km walk, starting on Tuesday and ending on Sunday 22 March, is intended to spiritually prepare her for her public ministry in the Church of England and across the Anglican Communion. The timing of the pilgrimage has drawn some criticism from pro-lifers, as it coincides with an important vote in the House of Lords on removing criminal penalties for women who abort their unborn babies at any stage of pregnancy.

Dame Sarah, who was recently formally confirmed as Archbishop of Canterbury at St Paul’s Cathedral, will travel the Becket Camino from St Paul’s to Canterbury Cathedral with her husband, Eamonn. The route includes sections of the Thames Path, the Via Britannica, and the Augustine Camino, reflecting both the ancient tradition of pilgrimage to Canterbury and her own transition from Bishop of London to Archbishop of Canterbury.

During the journey, she will attend Morning and Evening Prayer services at various churches, cathedrals, and abbeys, while also engaging with pilgrims, visiting schools, and meeting with ecumenical groups. In a statement, Archbishop Mullally expressed her desire to meet and pray with others, as well as to hear their stories. Stops along the route include Southwark Cathedral, Rochester Cathedral, Lesnes Abbey, Aylesford Priory, and the Shrine of St Jude in Faversham.

The Dean of Canterbury, David Monteith, and members of the cathedral chapter will join the final leg of the pilgrimage from Chartham into Canterbury, with the Archbishop expected to arrive in time for Evensong on Sunday. Pupils at Ospringe Church of England Primary School in Faversham created a pilgrim’s passport for the journey, and prayer cards written by students from The Archbishop’s School in Canterbury will be distributed during the walk.

Archbishop Mullally reflected on the significance of the pilgrimage, stating, “As I prepare for my installation at Canterbury Cathedral, it feels deeply humbling to be following in the footsteps of those who have walked this ancient route. As I walk this path I will be praying for our Church and our world, and asking God to bless those we meet. Every Christian life is a pilgrimage – a journey with God. As I begin this new chapter in my own life and ministry, I am grateful to be walking with God and with others.”

Pilgrim Officer at Canterbury Cathedral, Torin Brown, noted that pilgrimage offers both an outward encounter with new places and people and an inward journey of spiritual improvement. The event underscores the Archbishop’s commitment to spiritual growth and communal engagement as she prepares for her new role.