The Bishop of Carlisle, the Rt Revd Rob Saner-Haigh, and the interim Dean of Carlisle, the Venerable Michael Everitt have welcomed today’s announcement of the Rt Reverend and Rt Honourable Dame Sarah Mullally as the next Archbishop of Canterbury.

The Rt Revd Rob Saner-Haigh, Bishop of Carlisle, said:

“I warmly welcome today’s announcement of Dame Sarah Mullally as the new Archbishop of Canterbury and assure her of our prayers as she takes up this role of national and international significance.
The Archbishop has a particular calling to draw people together in Christ and to serve as a focus of unity in the Church of England and the wider Anglican Communion. At a time when our world deeply needs hope and God’s healing, I look forward to working with the new Archbishop to share the good news of Jesus Christ and to encourage the Church in its mission.
Please join me in praying for the Archbishop and her family, and for all who serve the Church of England in leadership, that together we may witness to God’s love for the world and for every person.”

The Venerable Michael Everitt, Interim Dean of Carlisle, said:

“I join with Bishop Rob in welcoming Dame Sarah Mullally’s appointment as the next Archbishop of Canterbury. Bishop Sarah and her family are very much in our thoughts and prayers as they prepare for this tremendous responsibility.

We are grateful to all who have carried additional responsibilities during the vacancy and continue to pray for Archbishop Stephen Cottrell and for the life and witness of the Church across these lands.”