Latest news and stories

Today, the Church of England has apologised for its historic involvement in mother and baby homes, roughly covering the period between 1949 and 1976.

The Church is encouraging anyone affected to come forward, be heard, and access support.

This summer, an entire programme of events, talks and activities will focus on the women that have shaped Canterbury Cathedral, both past and present.

At the beginning of 2026 Dame Sarah Mullally was appointed as the 106th Archbishop of Canterbury - the first woman ever to hold this position. This continues a tradition of influential women who have been connected to the Cathedral and the wider city, including Queen Bertha of Kent in the 6th century and Elizabeth I during Tudor England.

In March 2026, Archbishop Sarah Mullally spent 6 days walking a new pilgrimage route from London to Canterbury in the lead-up to her installation at Canterbury Cathedral.

Now everyone can follow in her footsteps, by following a new pilgrimage route which takes in some key Christian sites in England along the way - including cathedrals, abbeys and shrines - illuminated by sunrises, sunsets and the surrounding nature of the South East countryside.

Between 21 May - 7 September 2026, Sacred Resonance, a series of paintings showing religious iconography through a contemporary lens, will be displayed in the Eastern Crypt of Canterbury Cathedral.

The ten works by French artist Renaud Muraire (b.1972) depict familiar icons and stories from the Bible in new modern guises.

On Wednesday 25th March, Canterbury Cathedral will host the Installation of the 106th Archbishop of Canterbury, Sarah Elisabeth Mullally, which will conclude with a blessing of the city.

As part of the community in Canterbury, we have been very saddened to hear of the deaths of young people from the University of Kent and a neighbouring school in Faversham as a result of meningitis.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the families who have been plunged into grief alongside all those who are working hard to sustain the wellbeing and health of others. We continue to follow the guidance being offered and stand ready to offer our support.

The Installation of the 106th Archbishop of Canterbury, Sarah Mullally, will take place at Canterbury Cathedral on Wednesday 25 March 2026, the Feast of the Annunciation.

Historically known as an enthronement, the Installation marks the symbolic start of the Archbishop of Canterbury’s public ministry in the Church of England and across the Anglican Communion.

On Tuesday 17 March, the new Archbishop of Canterbury will embark on a 6-day walking pilgrimage from London to Canterbury, as part of her spiritual preparation for her Installation service at Canterbury Cathedral on Wednesday 25 March.

On Wednesday 28 January, Bishop Sarah Mullally DBE became the 106th Archbishop of Canterbury, at her Confirmation of Election at St Paul’s Cathedral. She is the first woman to hold the office in its 1,400-year history.

At the ceremony Archbishop Sarah also legally became the Diocesan Bishop of Canterbury, and our diocese and cathedral were represented in both the legal ceremony and worship. Archbishop Sarah’s name was also carved into stone in Canterbury Cathedral.

On 25th November 2025, a centuries-old ceremony at Canterbury Cathedral formally elected the 106^th Archbishop of Canterbury.

A major new art installation at Canterbury Cathedral in which ordinary people pose questions to God has split public opinion ahead of its official launch, with visitors reporting visceral reactions to the bold graffiti-style graphics and thought-provoking questions displayed on the ancient walls.

Canterbury Cathedral and The Diocese of Canterbury are delighted at today’s announcement of Sarah Mullally as the 106^th Archbishop of Canterbury.

We look forward to welcoming Sarah into our worshipping community and to working closely with her in shared ministry.