St Paul’s bids farewell to outgoing Bishop of London
St Paul’s bids farewell to outgoing Bishop of London
Installed at St Paul’s on 12th May 2018 as the first woman to serve as the Bishop of London, Bishop Sarah has spent eight years leading the Diocese.
During this time, she has been closely connected to the life and worship of St Paul’s, playing roles in major diocesan, civic and national moments hosted here, from the Service of Prayer and Reflection for Queen Elizabeth II in 2022, to overseeing installations and great liturgical celebrations that mark the Cathedral’s year, including Easter and Christmas.
In October 2025, Bishop Sarah made history when she was named the first woman to become Archbishop of Canterbury in the 1,400-year history of the office. Bishop Sarah will return to St Paul’s on 28 January for her Confirmation of Election – the legal ceremony at which her appointment is formally recognised.
In a message to the Diocese, Rt Rev and Rt Hon Dame Sarah Mullally DBE, The Bishop of London, said:
'It is with great sadness that I say goodbye to a Diocese and a people I love. You have shaped me into the priest and the person I am today. If it were not for you and all that you have taught me, I would not be going where I am going now.
'In my eight years among you, I have prayed with you, laughed with you, wept for you in your times of struggle, and sought to support your unique ministries. And where I have seen you do this for one another – especially reaching out to one another across your different traditions - I have rejoiced.
'We are united in our determination to proclaim Jesus as Lord, gazing on the face of Christ and seeking to reflect his glory, recognising that it’s not about us, it’s about the God who we worship.
'Please pray for me in the next stage of my calling, as I will always pray for you.'
Dean of St Paul’s, the Very Revd Andrew Tremlett, said:
'For eight years, Bishop Sarah has been an enormous blessing to the Diocese of London, showing bold leadership and serving with faithfulness and humility. Her ministry has been marked by a deep love of God and commitment to pastoring London’s communities.
'At St Paul’s, she has been a constant source of encouragement and wisdom, and has strengthened the Cathedral’s witness to Christ through her spiritual and liturgical oversight.
'As she prepares to take up her new calling as Archbishop of Canterbury, we give her our heartfelt thanks, and we assure her of our prayers for the journey ahead.'
The service for the Confirmation of Election, formally recognising Bishop Sarah as Archbishop of Canterbury, will be held at St Paul’s Cathedral on 28th January 2026, from 11.00am to 12.30pm.
