On March 25, 2026, Archbishop Sarah Mullally will be installed as the 106th Archbishop of Canterbury, becoming the first woman to hold the position. In a departure from tradition, the ceremony will feature The Saint John's Bible Heritage Edition for her oath, marking the first time since 1945 that a modern Bible is used for this purpose. The decision underscores the significance of the occasion and the Church's embrace of contemporary sacred art.
Historically, Archbishops of Canterbury have sworn their oaths on the 6th-century Augustine Gospels, a relic of St. Augustine, the first Archbishop. However, the fragile Gospels, housed at Corpus Christi College, Cambridge, are not easily moved. To honor the historic installation of the first female Archbishop, Canterbury Cathedral selected its Heritage Edition of The Saint John's Bible, a facsimile of the first hand-scribed, illuminated manuscript commissioned by a Benedictine Monastery since the printing press was invented over 500 years ago.
The Saint John's Bible, created by artistic director Donald Jackson, former senior scribe to Queen Elizabeth II, blends ancient tradition with modern themes. During the service, the Bible will be open to the beginning of Luke 1 on the Nave altar, and the Archbishop will place her hand on it while swearing her oath. The Heritage Edition was blessed and dedicated at Canterbury Cathedral on November 11, 2023, thanks to the generosity of Elaine and Bruce Culver. It includes a special bookmark made by Dr. Alyson Osterloh, a retired physician and cathedral stitcher, crafted from textiles found in the Cathedral Sewing Room.
An Apostles Edition of The Saint John's Bible, one of only 12 in existence, was also gifted to Lambeth Palace on November 8, 2023, and is available for public viewing at the Lambeth Palace Library. The Church of England will livestream the service on March 25, 2026, at 10:30 am ET. For more information about The Saint John's Bible, visit saintjohnsbible.org.
The use of this modern Bible for the swearing-in ceremony is a powerful symbol of continuity and change within the Anglican Communion. It honors the ancient tradition of using a sacred text while embracing a contemporary work that reflects the diversity and relevance of faith in the 21st century. The Saint John's Bible, with its illuminated pages and modern themes, serves as a reminder that the Church's message is timeless yet adaptable to the present day.
