In her first address to General Synod as Archbishop of Canterbury, Sarah Mullally spoke of humility, responsibility, and hope amid significant challenges facing the Church. She reflected that when 'the wind and waves are rocking the boat’, her focus must remain on Christ, who calms the storm. Rooted in her calling to follow Jesus and make Him known, she described her leadership not as launching new programmes, but as shepherding collaboratively, enabling others to flourish. Giving thanks for the prayers and support received across the CofE and the Anglican Communion, she said that the Church’s 'best days are still to come.' Emphasising accountability, she committed to transparency, especially in safeguarding, acknowledging past failures and the need for trauma-informed, independent processes which place survivors first. Highlighting signs of renewed church attendance and 'green shoots of hope’, she urged unity amid difference, likening conflict to the grit that forms a pearl. Her vision is of a hospitable Church offering healing and hope to a fractured world, rooted firmly in the Gospel.

There are not enough theology teachers or leaders for village congregations or the urban educated. There needs to be serious consideration of what kind of training is most appropriate for Africans, including teaching and communication methods, curriculum and content, and length of courses and modules. Too much foreign structure and content has been imposed. Africans must develop training that works for Africans and deals with the Afrocentric issues facing the Church. Out of 150 theological colleges and programmes, only two are at postgraduate level. Discernment is needed to know those anointed by the Spirit for future leadership and those applying for prestige, potential employment, desire for education, etc. Church poverty and lack of understanding among potential donors hamper developing Bible training institutions. Financial needs are endless. Generosity from African and global churches is required for such vital ministry to continue. Pray for abundant modular training and training-in-service for both lay leaders and pastors.