2026 Spring

Later this month the Rt Rev Dame Sarah Mullally will legally become the Archbishop of Canterbury – a momentous event in the life of our Church and our nation. Archbishop-designate Sarah comes with a remarkable and refreshing record of achievement, reflecting her immense Christian commitment and energy. She trained for the priesthood at a non-residential theological college while simultaneously acting as Chief Nursing Officer for NHS England. Thus she balanced her commitment to ordained ministry with an exceptionally demanding public role promoting national strategies for healing and wholeness. She will undoubtedly bring the attributes of dynamism, wisdom and compassion to her role as the leader of the Church of England. It was significant for example that, on the day her appointment was announced, she took the opportunity to visit the Ignite project in Canterbury – a highly successful ‘fresh expression’ of Christian ministry within hard-pressed local communities (see the article on pp.6-7 and our book feature on pp.29-30). We give a whole-hearted welcome to our new primate, and pray for her as she takes up her new responsibilities and faces the inevitable demanding and thorny challenges that come with the role. May the Holy Spirit guide and sustain her leadership.

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Our theme in this issue is ‘Prayer, Praise and Worship’, three basic elements of the Christian life. The thematic articles illustrate the diversity of practice which can be found within these three Christian staples, and also the scope for innovation in the ways that we honour God.  I am especially grateful to the renowned Oxford artist and poet, Roger Wagner, who has described in compelling detail the inspiration that lies behind his visual and written art. The way in which paintings and literature, indeed all works of imagination, can deepen our understanding of scripture is an important but sometimes neglected aspect of Christian ministry. The tradition of presenting the gospel in art has been used by used by Christians, from the catacombs of Rome through the dark ages and the Renaissance to the present day. The imaginative truth that can be awakened in this way may deepen our own faith, and can also be an invaluable aid in our teaching and our worship.

Another fascinating insight is provided by the article from Dr Rhiannon McAleer of the Bible Society, whose recent research has demonstrated a ‘quiet revival’ of faith among ‘Generation Z’ – especially young men. The encouragement we may gain from this trend should be tempered by the realisation that it comes with a substantial challenge: the nurturing and deepening of faith among those young people who suddenly join an established congregation – especially one where the age profile is significantly different. This is food for thought indeed. 

Many of our other articles come from ministers with a range of personal experiences – some long-established, others very new to ministry. I am personally greatly encouraged by the quality of lay contributions to Transforming Ministry. I hope that you find the fascinating ideas in these articles equally encouraging and of practical help in your own ministries.   

Dr Peter Clough is a Reader in the Dioceses of Canterbury and Norwich and Acting Editor of Transforming Ministry.