Archbishop to pray for Middle East peace in first Easter sermon

The first female Archbishop of Canterbury, Dame Sarah Mullally, will deliver her inaugural Easter message with a focus on peace in the Middle East. The sermon, set for Sunday, will urge an end to “violence and destruction” in the region as tensions between the US, Israel, and Iran escalate. She will emphasize the need for “peace, justice, and freedom” for people in the area, framing the call as a reflection of the hope inspired by Christ’s resurrection.

Calling for peace amid ongoing conflict

As the war between Israel and Iran nears its sixth week, the Archbishop will address the suffering caused by the conflict. Thousands have been killed since hostilities began on 28 February, when US and Israeli strikes targeted Iran. The crisis has led to retaliatory attacks on Israel and US allies in the Gulf, with Israel later expanding its operations into Lebanon after Hezbollah launched rockets into northern Israel.

“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.”

A personal journey of transformation

Dame Sarah, who previously served as England’s chief nursing officer, will connect the theme of resurrection to personal struggles. She will mention individuals facing challenges such as illness or loss, urging them to “know that God walks with you through that darkness.” Her reflection on the conflict also includes a nod to her own past, as she shared that her teenage self “could never have foreseen the path ahead” during her installation ceremony in late March.

Leadership in a divided global church

The Archbishop will lead a global Anglican community grappling with internal debates on topics like female leadership and sexuality. Despite her appointment in 2024 following Justin Welby’s resignation over a handling of abuse cases, some traditionalists still oppose the idea of women serving as priests. Her sermon will also honor caregivers, describing their role as “a testament to endurance” in times of quiet and hardship.

Her Easter message follows her installation as archbishop, during which she noted that the Middle East conflict had prevented certain attendees from joining the service. The event symbolized the start of her ministry, highlighting her commitment to addressing global issues through faith and compassion.