Yesterday it was announced that the Rt Rev Dame Sarah Mullally would be the next Bishop of London. Bishop Sarah released a statement, which included this very diaconal section:
Before becoming a priest, I was a nurse and then the Government’s Chief Nursing Officer for England. People ask what it is like to have had two careers. I reply that I have always had one vocation – to follow Jesus Christ, to know him and to make him known.
For me that means living in the service of others.
Washing feet is a powerful image which has shaped my life.
As a nurse, the way we wash feet affords dignity, respect and value. As a priest I am called to model Jesus Christ, who took off his outer garments and washed his disciples’ feet, even the one who would betray him.
I keep that model of service before me, seeking to serve others and value them.
Bishop Sarah is in our prayers.
CofE Network of Distinctive Deacons 
It’s always encouraging to see gifted people discovering and energising their unique path in life. Sarah has only been in our diocese as an assistant (sufragan) bishop for two years. I’m glad she’s worked in London previously or it would be a big cultural leap for her!
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I wish her well too. Sarah reminds me of a school friend of sprog’s, whose dad was a minister. Fizz; Fizz was always on the look out for a church to go to, to make devotions on particular days, as well as Sundays. Fizz also built up a wide network of contacts through the connections. Fizz could have studied medicine, but, at the time of transition to higher education, the famiy finances were under great strain. So, Fizz was accepted by Edinburgh University onto their nursing course and that is where Fizz completed nursing traIning.
Several years on, with a bag of experience, Fizz is a qualified practice nurse in a particularly deprived area of London, resisting becoming a nurse practitoner, but, is following a long held dream of studying tropical diseases, part time in THE university department Fizz always wanted to study in. All the while, Fizz follows the faith path in Fizz’s own inimitable manner. I have a feeling we’ll hear more of Fizz.
Thumbs up to Sarah!
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