The Archbishop of Canterbury, Dame Sarah Mullally, called on Christians to care for one another and the environment during a special visit to All Souls Anglican Church in Sheffield on Sunday.

Dame Mullally reflected on faith, forgiveness, responsible leadership and the responsibility Christians have to protect God’s creation.

All Souls Archdeacon Andrew Manning said the congregation was privileged to host Dame Mullally before she returned to England.

“The Archbishop of Canterbury was here for the Mothers’ Union 150th celebration and she’s flying back to England today. We were blessed to have her worship with us this morning,” said Manning.

“Not every parish gets to have the Archbishop of Canterbury worshipping with them, so it’s been a wonderful experience.”

The Mothers’ Union is an international Anglican Christian movement founded in England in 1876. It supports families and communities through faith-based programmes and advocacy, with a particular focus on women, family life and social justice.

Manning said Dame Mullally’s visit was especially significant for its members.

“For the union to have a woman archbishop celebrate with them is something that would never have been dreamt of 150 years ago,” he said.

He explained that while Anglican provinces around the world are autonomous, the Archbishop of Canterbury has an important unifying role.

“The Archbishop of Canterbury is what we call the first among equals. She’s the symbol of unity of the entire church.”

During her sermon, Dame Mullally reflected on the KwaZulu-Natal landscape, saying her journey along the coast had reminded her of the beauty of nature.

She urged Christians to recognise their responsibility to care for the environment, particularly as the church commemorated St Francis of Assisi, remembered for his simplicity, care for the poor and love of creation.

Dame Mullally also warned against the misuse of power, saying Christians should remember they are stewards rather than owners of the church.

“When we start assuming that we have power to decide who is in or who is out, when we treat one another poorly, when we abuse one another by the misuse of our power then we, like the tenants of a vineyard, have taken God’s laws into our own hands,” she said.

Following the service, Dame Mullally planted a tree in the church grounds, linking the gesture to the Anglican Communion’s commitment to protecting creation.

“May we be inspired to walk together in our covenant relationship for the good of all creation and the welfare of all people,” she said.