Archbishop Calls for Peace in Middle East During Easter Sermon
The Archbishop of Canterbury, Dame Sarah Mullally, will urge an end to "violence and destruction" in the Middle East in her first Easter sermon as the leader of the Church of England.
Delivering her sermon at Canterbury Cathedral, she will pray "with renewed urgency" for peace amid the ongoing US-Israel conflict involving Iran, which has now entered its sixth week.
She will appeal for all people in the Middle East and the Gulf region to "receive the peace, justice and freedom they long for".
This Easter sermon follows closely on the heels of her installation as the first female Archbishop of Canterbury, which took place less than two weeks ago. During that ceremony, she reflected that her teenage self could "never have imagined the future that lay ahead".
Message to Congregation
Addressing the congregation on Sunday, Dame Sarah will say:
"This week our gaze and our prayers have been turned towards the land where Jesus was crucified and raised from the dead.
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.
May our Christian sisters and brothers know and celebrate the hope of the empty tomb - and may all people of the region receive the peace, justice and freedom they long for."
Context of the Conflict
The ongoing conflict, which began on 28 February, has resulted in thousands of casualties. It started with widespread US and Israeli strikes on Iran. In response, Iran launched attacks on Israel and US-allied states in the Gulf.
Following this, Israel has conducted extensive strikes across Lebanon after the Iranian-backed group Hezbollah fired rockets into northern Israel. This retaliation was in response to the killing of Iran's supreme leader at the onset of the war.
Reflection on Resurrection and Personal Struggles
Preaching on St John's Gospel, the archbishop will highlight that Jesus Christ's resurrection began while Mary waited at his tomb in grief.
She will also offer prayers for individuals facing personal challenges and their "own version of the dark," including illness or bereavement.
"I pray you know that God walks with you through that darkness,"
she will say.
Tribute to Caregivers
Having previously served as the chief nursing officer for England, Dame Sarah will pay tribute to those who care for others, including loved ones and carers in hospitals or hospices.
"This vigil of care is the work of remaining - of staying present in the quiet and the dark."
Installation and Broader Church Challenges
During her installation as archbishop in late March, Dame Sarah also prayed for peace and justice to prevail in "all war-torn areas of the world."
She addressed some 2,000 guests, including the Prince of Wales and Catherine, Princess of Wales, noting that the conflict in the Middle East had prevented some church members from attending the service.
The installation marked the symbolic beginning of her ministry as archbishop. She was appointed following the resignation of her predecessor, Justin Welby, in 2024 amid criticism over his handling of a serious abuse case.
Dame Sarah now leads a global church facing deepening divisions on issues such as sexuality and female leadership. Some traditionalists within the Church of England and the wider Anglican Communion remain opposed to women serving as priests.
