The artist Rembrandt painted a beautiful picture called “The Return of tbe Prodigal”, probably one of his last works, completed in the last 2 years before his death in 1669. In the picture the prodigal son kneels before his father receiving his blessing and forgiveness after his time of rebellion and absence. The picture portrays the Father as male, as one would.expect, but when you look more closely you see that the Father’s two hands are very different. The left hand is sturdy, knarled and the hand of a workman. The right hand is slender, smoother and looks like a woman’s hand. Rembrandt has conveyed a deep truth through his painting. The God who welcomes us into a relationship with him shows aspects of both male and female characteristics.
In the Catholic and High church Anglican tradition the names by which senior clergy are called reflects the desire many people have to experience the parental side of God through a servant of the church. Popes and priests are called “Father”, and, in convents, the most senior Nun is called “Mother Superior” denoting their delegated authority from God to minister to the flock in a parental way.
In 2026 we are for the first time ever welcoming a woman as Archbishop of Canterbury. Some oppose this move fiercely but I am not one of them. At a time when the Anglican church is divided on some important issues, and has lost much of its good name because of issues of safeguarding, a woman has been chosen to lead. A former nurse and later chief nursing officer, with experience in management and operating in large organisations, I believe she will bring some unique gifts to the role, some of these being feminine and caregiving qualities. She has also stressed the importance of team work. I pray that she will be able to protect and care for her flock, reflecting in her life and leadership some of the maternal side of God’s nature.
Lord God, we pray for Sarah Mullally, as she takes on the huge challenge of leading the Anglican church worldwide. May she receive her strength from you to pastor her flock, guide the Anglican church and work alongside others in her Christian calling.