Letter to Archbishop of Canterbury, Sarah Mullally

March 2026

To the Most Rev’d Sarah Mullally

Lambeth Palace

London, England

SE1 7JU

Dear Archbishop Sarah,

On March 25 you will be installed as the 106^th Archbishop of Canterbury.  I write to express my joy, encouragement and prayers for you.  On behalf of the entire Diocese of New Westminster in Canada, please know that we will be praying for you as we move closer to this date, and well beyond.

The date chosen is the Feast of the Annunciation.  On that day we will hear of the angel, Gabriel, saying to Mary, “do not be afraid, for you have found favour with God.”  I believe those words are meant for you as well, as you shoulder the enormous responsibility of the role of Archbishop of Canterbury.  I have full confidence that you have found favour with God and that God will continue to walk with you, bless you and guide you. 

Mary’s response to Gabriel was to say, “Here am I, the servant of the Lord.”  Please know that I am delighted that you have said the same to this calling now being asked of you.  May you know God’s peace and grace in the days ahead as you step into this servant’s role. May you know the prayers of thousands of Anglicans all around the world. May you know the love and support of so many as we step with you into this new ministry.  May you know the prayers and encouragement of the Diocese of New Westminster on the west coast of Canada.

This year, in the Anglican Church of Canada, we are celebrating the 50^th anniversary of the ordination of women in our Church.  The connection seems very fitting, for as you step into this new role, you carry with you a hope that the world needs to see and know: “that things which were cast down are being raised up, and things which had grown old are being made new, and that all things are being brought to their perfection by him through whom all things are made, Jesus Christ our Lord.”

May God bless you and keep you always,

The Most Revd John R. Stephens 
Archbishop of New Westminster 
Metropolitan of the Ecclesiastical Province of BC & Yukon