Christmas Day Sermons Call for Unity and Shared Humanity Amid Societal Divisions
On Christmas Day 2025, sermons delivered at prominent cathedrals urged society towards unity and compassion amidst growing divisions. Sarah Mullally, soon to be the first female Archbishop of Canterbury, preached at St Paul’s Cathedral, emphasizing the need for shared humanity to bridge the societal divides intensified by immigration debates. She called for making space in homes, churches, and public conversations to aid those in need.
Mullally, currently the Bishop of London since 2018, will legally assume the role of Archbishop of Canterbury on 28 January 2026, following a Confirmation of Election at St Paul’s Cathedral. Her enthronement is scheduled for 25 March at Canterbury Cathedral. She described joy as an act of resistance confronting suffering with courage, highlighting that God arrives amidst imperfect conditions.
Meanwhile, Archbishop of York Stephen Cottrell's Christmas sermon drew attention to global divisions and barriers he witnessed personally, including being stopped at checkpoints in the Holy Land, and he urged openness to strangers.
Justin Welby, the previous Archbishop of Canterbury, formally resigned in early January 2025 after announcing in November 2024 his intention to step down, citing his handling of abuse scandals as a significant factor.
