The African Choir of Norfolk will perform at the installation of the 106th Archbishop of Canterbury Sarah Mullally.
All three bishops from the Diocese of Norwich will join bishops and archbishops from around the world in Canterbury Cathedral on Wednesday.
The Bishop of Norwich, the Rt Rev Graham Usher, was part of the Crown Nominations Commission which helped choose the new Archbishop.
The Bishop of Lynn, the Rt Rev Jane Steen, said: “I was delighted to learn that the African Choir of Norfolk would be singing for Archbishop Sarah’s installation. Their singing at Norwich’s last Black History Month service was wonderful. It will be great to hear them again and to celebrate Dame Sarah and the diversity of our church and county.”
The Bishop of Thetford, the Rt Revd Ian Bishop, said: “I know that people will be praying for Archbishop Sarah. I thank God that she has such strength of faith and such conviction in the call she has received, to take on this important and challenging role. It is a new and wonderful chapter in the history of the Church and I feel deeply privileged to witness the installation of the first woman as Archbishop.”
The service to welcome the first female Archbishop of Canterbury will pay particular attention to the contribution of women to the Church. There are also Norfolk connections including:
The anthem, All Shall Be Well, by composer Joanna Marsh. It is based on the words of Julian of Norwich, who lived in the city more than 600 years ago and wrote Revelations of Divine Love, including “All shall be well, and all manner of thing shall be well,” in the earliest-surviving work by a woman.
The African Choir of Norfolk, who will sing the music to greet the proclamation of the Gospel. The vibrant choir, founded in Norfolk in 2019 by Anna Mudeka, features music and musicians from many African countries.
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