Lynn Green's message on the new Archbishop of Canterbury

A message from General Secretary Lynn Green on the appointment of the Rt Revd and Rt Hon Dame Sarah Mullally as the next Archbishop of Canterbury

'I am delighted to learn that Sarah Mullally has accepted the invitation to become the new Archbishop of Canterbury.

'This is an especially historic day given that Sarah is the first woman to be appointed to the role.

'These are challenging times and this is a most demanding role, and I pray God's blessing, wisdom, grace and strength as she serves the Lord in leading the Church of England.

'Our relationships as Baptists with the Church of England at local, regional and national levels are extremely important as we seek to fulfil the Great Commission in our unique contexts. Sarah will become one of the six Presidents of Churches Together in England, and it will be a privilege to work alongside her as we liaise on a wide variety of issues of common interest and concern. I'm aware too of countless examples of Baptist churches and ministers teaming up with their Anglican sisters and brothers in the communities they serve, and this is a wonderful expression of our partnership in the Gospel.

'I believe we are living in a season of spiritual hunger, and so our partnership in the Gospel means that Kingdom growth for one of us is Kingdom growth for us all, and we celebrate that.

'I would like to assure Sarah of my prayers and support as she becomes the next Archbishop of Canterbury, and I'm sure that churches across Baptists Together will join me in doing likewise.'