CAPTION: Dame Sarah Mullally on a visit to the Lyn Valley Mission Community, where Rev'd Preb. Samantha Stayte was Priest-in-Charge
Reflections on New Archbishop from Those in Devon Who Worked With Her
The new Archbishop of Canterbury-designate, Dame Sarah Mullally, was the first female bishop in Devon, serving as Bishop of Crediton from 2015 to 2018.
Here three ministers from the Diocese of Exeter who worked with her in Devon, share their perspectives on her appointment to the highest role in the Church of England:
Rev’d Preb. Samantha Stayte, Dean of Women in Ministry
“The announcement that Bishop Sarah Mullally is to become the 106th Archbishop of Canterbury has filled me with a deep joy that it is hard to put into words. With her, I give thanks for all those who have paved the way that enables her to take up this ministry as the first woman in the role and to bring her distinctive style of leadership to the service of the whole church.
“Those of us who experienced her first episcopal ministry here know the gifts of strength and courage, pastoral sensitivity, wisdom and encouragement that she brings. She was hugely instrumental in the greater affirmation of women’s ordained ministry here at that time. I remember her saying that when she left Devon she would carry what she had learnt from churches here with her, and I could hear that richly in all she said about church life in her first address at the announcement. Filled with thanksgiving, I am praying for her in all the opportunities and challenges this new ministry will bring.”
Dr Simon Harrison, Healthcare Chaplain and Head of Pastoral & Spiritual Care: Royal Devon University Hospital NHS Trust
“I was both surprised and delighted with news of our former Bishop of Crediton being appointed as Archbishop. When she was with us here in Devon, Sarah had responsibility for healthcare chaplaincy among many other areas.
“She was responsive, insightful, enthusiastic and compassionate in how she related to us. One can only hope that she carries these gifts into her wider role for the whole of the Anglican communion.”
Rev’d Phill Parker, Team Rector of the Ashburton and Moorland Mission Community and former Assistant Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser
“I am delighted that Bishop Sarah is to be our Archbishop.
“It was my privilege to serve alongside her in the cause of improving safeguarding in this diocese, and she acted with such commitment and compassion in the pursuit of the Church demonstrating better care for vulnerable people and survivors.
“In the years since, I have been pleased to see that same character demonstrated as Bishop of London, particularly in her passionate speeches in the House of Lords, where she has spoken out for those without a voice.
“In a church that has been rocked by safeguarding scandal, I look forward to serving under the leadership of an archbishop who fully understands how integral doing Safeguarding well is to the mission and ministry of this Church.”
