Archbishop to pray for Middle East peace in first Easter sermon
Archbishop to Pray for Middle East Peace in First Easter Sermon
The newly installed Archbishop of Canterbury, Dame Sarah Mullally, will address the issue of “violence and destruction” in the Middle East during her inaugural Easter sermon. As the leader of the Church of England, she aims to inspire a renewed sense of urgency in seeking peace, particularly amid the ongoing US-Israel conflict with Iran, now in its sixth week. The sermon will emphasize the longing for peace, justice, and freedom among the people of the Middle East and the Gulf.
Speaking to a gathering at Canterbury Cathedral, the archbishop will highlight the spiritual significance of the Easter season, linking it to the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus. “This week our gaze and our prayers have been turned towards the land where Jesus was crucified and raised from the dead,” she will say. “Today, as we shout with joy that Christ is risen, let us pray and call with renewed urgency for an end to the violence and destruction in the Middle East and the Gulf.” She will also encourage Christians to “know and celebrate the hope of the empty tomb.”
“I pray you know that God walks with you through that darkness,” she will add, addressing those grappling with personal challenges such as illness or loss.
The conflict, which began on 28 February with US and Israeli strikes on Iran, has led to escalating attacks by Iran on Israeli and Gulf allies. Israel, in turn, has expanded its military operations into Lebanon following retaliatory rocket fire from Hezbollah, an Iranian-backed group. Thousands have reportedly lost their lives in the violence, underscoring the region’s turmoil.
Dame Sarah, who previously served as England’s chief nursing officer, will also honor healthcare workers and caregivers. “This vigil of care is the work of remaining—of staying present in the quiet and the dark,” she will note, emphasizing the role of compassion in times of crisis.
Context of Her Leadership
In her March installation as the first female Archbishop of Canterbury, Dame Sarah reflected on the transformative journey of her role. “My teenage self could never have imagined the future that lay ahead,” she remarked, speaking to a crowd of around 2,000, including the Prince of Wales and Catherine, Princess of Wales.
Her Easter message follows her assumption of the archbishopric after Justin Welby resigned in 2024 amid criticism over his response to a major abuse case. As she leads a global church facing divisions over topics like sexuality and female leadership, she will advocate for unity and hope in the face of adversity.
