General Synod motion from Archbishop includes key mention of Anna Chaplaincy

Archbishop of Canterbury Sarah Mullally (Photo credit: Church of England)

Anna Chaplaincy receives a significant mention in the 'Reimagining Care' paper the Archbishop of Canterbury Dame Sarah Mullally has prepared for the General Synod this month.

It is gratifying to see that Archbishop Sarah is wasting no time emphasising the need for better Social Care. Before her recent confirmation as the first female Archbishop of Canterbury enthronement, the former nurse while still Bishop of London tabled a Synod motion endorsing the report of the Archbishops’ Commission on Reimagining Care and its vision for changing how adult social care is perceived, organised, delivered and experienced.

In the motion's summary she mentions 'many practical examples of church-based provision in partnership, including through initiatives like Anna Chaplaincy, Renew Wellbeing spaces, Parish Nursing, and the Places of Welcome network.'

She continues, 'every parish church plays a key role in this, by being accessible, welcoming and inclusive places and by supporting one another in community. Recognition of the importance of these services is growing with initiatives like social prescribing, which joins up community-based initiatives with those seeking support through their GP. The church and other faith groups have much to offer to this innovative approach to supporting healthy communities.'

General Synod discussion is tabled for Wednesday, February 11, next week. The Church Times of February 4, carries an article on the subject on their website which is free to read. https://www.churchtimes.co.uk/articles/2026/30-january/news/uk/new-archbishop-of-canterbury-to-move-synod-motion-on-adult-care