On the historic day when Dame Sarah Mullally is installed as the first female Archbishop of Canterbury, the Archbishop of York, Stephen Cottrell, has issued a stark warning about "prejudice and intolerance" in Britain. In an interview with Sky News on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, Cottrell described the ordination as a "happy" and "historic" occasion but emphasized the persistent challenges facing society.
Historic Ordination Amidst Social Tensions
The formal enthronement ceremony for Dame Sarah Mullally is scheduled to take place at Canterbury Cathedral later on Wednesday. This milestone event occurs against a backdrop of heightened social tensions, highlighted by a recent arson attack on four ambulances operated by the Jewish volunteer-run service Hatzola in Golders Green. Two men have been arrested in connection with the Monday incident, which left the vehicles burnt and damaged.
Condemnation of Hate Crimes
Archbishop Cottrell condemned the "appalling" attack on the ambulance service, noting that it served the entire community. He stated that such acts represent "an attack on all of us, on all people of faith and on all people of goodwill." He linked this violence to broader issues of hatred, where religion can sometimes be used as a banner for intolerance, even if not the direct cause.
Cottrell expressed that Dame Sarah's leadership would reinforce the core Christian message of loving one's neighbor as oneself. He described this as a "simple message, but, goodness me, it's one our world and our nation really, really needs." He acknowledged human tendencies toward tribalism, greed, selfishness, and fear but framed the current climate as an opportunity to foster greater community friendship and understanding.
Call for Unity and Action
The Archbishop emphasized the shared belief among all faiths in the dignity of every human person. He called for the Church of England to be at the forefront of building bridges across differences, adding, "I want to be part of a church that's in the forefront of this." He extended prayers from the Church of England and the Christian Church to the Jewish community affected by the arson attack.
This event underscores ongoing concerns about hate crimes and social division in Britain, as highlighted by religious leaders during a pivotal moment in the Church's history. The ordination of Dame Sarah Mullally marks a significant step forward for gender equality within the Church, even as it grapples with external challenges of prejudice and intolerance.
