The Church of England has named its next Archbishop of Canterbury. Dame Sarah Mullally will become the 106th Archbishop of Canterbury, and the first woman to hold the office. 

The Archbishop’s role in funeral services

Funerals in the Church of England are ordinarily led by the local parish priest or minister. The Archbishop of Canterbury does not commonly preside over every funeral in the country.

However, the archbishop may be invited to lead services of national or special significance. For example, state funerals or major memorial services at cathedrals often involve or invite the archbishop. In the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II, the sermon and commendation were given by the Archbishop of Canterbury, even though the service was conducted by the Dean of Westminster. 

So Dame Sarah Mullally may in future give sermons, prayers or blessings at high-profile services. But she is unlikely to conduct parish funerals in towns and villages.

When the archbishop may officiate

There are a few situations in which the Archbishop of Canterbury might officiate:

• National ceremonies, memorials or events held in major cathedrals

• Funerals of people with public or national importance

• Commemorations that cross diocesan boundaries

• Services held at Canterbury Cathedral or in contexts of the Anglican Communion

In those cases, clergy and organisers may extend an invitation. The archbishop may accept or decline depending on their availability, the local arrangements, and pastoral considerations.

She will also retain a leadership role in setting guidance or norms for how funerals should be conducted across the Church of England. That may mean offering direction on liturgy, prayers, inclusion, pastoral support or funeral best practices, which local clergy may follow.

What this means for your funeral plans

If you hope for your funeral to include certain clergy, or to be held in a cathedral, or to incorporate elements you care about, it makes sense to investigate what is possible and to record those wishes now. Using The Farewell Guide you can note whether you prefer an Anglican service, which church, which clergy involvement, or whether you prefer a simpler local service.

Having those wishes written down helps your family and the clergy know your intentions. It reduces confusion and conflict in a stressful time.

When a loved one dies, you may use The Farewell Guide to find funeral directors who understand Church of England services. You can filter by those with experience liaising with clergy or carrying out church funerals. That means you are more likely to find someone who knows how to work within church protocols, and may even have contacts in cathedral or diocesan circles.