New archbishop of Canterbury acknowledges church abuse in first sermon

Sarah Mullally, the Church of England's first female archbishop, acknowledged the pain of victims and survivors of abuse in her first sermon at Canterbury Cathedral and called for truth, compassion and action.

Sarah Mullally acknowledged the pain experienced by victims and survivors of abuse in her first sermon after being formally installed as archbishop of Canterbury. The sermon was delivered at Canterbury Cathedral during her installation as the Church of England's spiritual head. Mullally, a former nurse and the church's first female archbishop, emphasised truth, compassion and action and said that "light should be shone" on the church's actions. Key details: - Mullally spoke directly about not overlooking or minimising the pain of those harmed through actions, inactions and failures within church communities. - She was formally installed as archbishop of Canterbury at a service attended by senior faith and civic figures. - The report does not specify any particular legal or procedural next step arising from her remarks. Summary: Mullally's remarks publicly recognised harm reported by victims and survivors and positioned safeguarding as a spoken priority for her leadership. Undetermined at this time.