Key Takeaways
- The new Archbishop of Canterbury, Sarah Mullally, faces several challenges in 2026, including safeguarding concerns and appealing to younger generations.
- The Church of England is under scrutiny for its handling of safeguarding cases, particularly in the London diocese.
- The church is also concerned about its relevance and appeal to Generation Z, with some leaders suggesting that it can play a role in addressing the mental health and well-being of young people.
- The church’s leadership is calling for changes in its approach to safeguarding and its engagement with younger generations.
Introduction to the Challenges
The new Archbishop of Canterbury, Sarah Mullally, has a number of time bombs in her in-tray for 2026. The Church of England is facing several challenges, including concerns about safeguarding, declining attendance, and a perceived lack of relevance to younger generations. As the church’s leader, Archbishop Mullally will be responsible for addressing these issues and finding ways to revitalize the church’s mission and message. One of the most pressing concerns is the church’s handling of safeguarding cases, particularly in the London diocese. A recent petition and an investigation by Channel 4 have highlighted the need for greater transparency and accountability in the church’s safeguarding practices.
Safeguarding Concerns
The London diocese has been criticized for its handling of safeguarding cases, with some alleging that it has failed to properly investigate and respond to allegations of abuse. The bishop of London has acknowledged that the diocese "should have done things differently" in the past and has pledged to improve its safeguarding practices. However, the church’s leadership is facing pressure to do more to address the issue, including implementing greater transparency and accountability in its safeguarding procedures. The Channel 4 investigation found that the church had failed to properly investigate allegations of abuse and had not always prioritized the needs of victims. The petition, which has gained significant support, is calling for greater action to be taken to address the church’s safeguarding failures.
Appealing to Younger Generations
In addition to addressing safeguarding concerns, the church is also seeking to appeal to younger generations. The church’s leadership is aware that it needs to do more to engage with Generation Z, who are increasingly secular and skeptical of traditional institutions. Some church leaders are suggesting that the church can play a role in addressing the mental health and well-being of young people, who are experiencing high levels of anxiety and stress. The next archbishop of Canterbury has stated that "CEOs worry for Gen Z" and that the church can help to address the challenges facing young people. This could involve providing support and resources for mental health, as well as creating spaces for young people to connect and build community.
The Church’s Response
The church’s leadership is calling for changes in its approach to safeguarding and its engagement with younger generations. This could involve implementing new safeguarding procedures, as well as investing in programs and initiatives that support the mental health and well-being of young people. The church is also seeking to increase its online presence and engagement, recognizing that this is an important way to reach younger generations. However, the church faces significant challenges in its efforts to revitalize its mission and message, including declining attendance and a perceived lack of relevance to modern society. The new archbishop of Canterbury will need to navigate these challenges and find ways to inspire and motivate the church’s members, while also addressing the concerns and criticisms of those outside the church.
Conclusion and Future Directions
In conclusion, the new Archbishop of Canterbury, Sarah Mullally, faces significant challenges in 2026, including safeguarding concerns and appealing to younger generations. The church’s leadership is calling for changes in its approach to safeguarding and its engagement with younger generations, and is seeking to implement new procedures and programs to address these issues. However, the church faces significant challenges in its efforts to revitalize its mission and message, and will need to navigate these challenges in order to remain relevant and effective in the years ahead. The future of the church will depend on its ability to adapt and evolve, while remaining true to its core values and principles. By addressing the concerns and criticisms of those inside and outside the church, the new archbishop of Canterbury can help to build a stronger, more vibrant church that is equipped to meet the challenges of the 21st century.
