New archbishop of Canterbury acknowledges abuse of ‘victims and survivors’ in first sermon

Sarah Mullally is formally installed as the Church of England’s spiritual head in grand ceremony The new archbishop of Canterbury has highlighted the pain caused to victims and survivors of abuse by the Church of England in her first sermon, delivered at a grand ceremony marking her formal installation as its spiritual head. Sarah Mullally, a former nurse who has made history as the C of E’s first female archbishop, said: “We must not overlook or minimise the pain experienced by those who have been harmed through the actions, inactions and failures of those in our own Christian churches and communities. “Today and every day, we hold victims and survivors in our hearts and in our prayers, and we must remain committed to truth, compassion, justice and action.” Justin Welby, Mullally’s predecessor, resigned after being criticised for failing to respond properly to allegations against John Smyth, one of the most prolific abusers in the church. During the instalment – traditionally called an enthronement – Mullally, who will be 64 on Thursday, became the de facto leader of the Church of England and the 85-million strong global Anglican church in 165 countries. Among 2,00