Bishop Justin Reflects on the Archbishop of Canterbury's installation.

Attending the installation of Dame Sarah Mullally as Archbishop of Canterbury was, for Bishop of Wellington and Archbishop - Tikanga Pakeha, Justin Duckworth, both a moment of privilege and a moment full of hope.

Justin jokes that he “somehow found himself at the very end of the procession,” arriving last — “the caboose” — a position no one really wants when every seat is already taken. But any minor logistical misadventures were quickly eclipsed by the significance of the occasion itself.

Having served as a bishop for 13 years, Justin was struck by just how much has changed in that time. When he was first ordained to the episcopacy, the Church of England had not yet even passed the resolution allowing women to become bishops. Now he found himself seated in Canterbury Cathedral, witnessing the installation of the first woman to hold the office of Archbishop of Canterbury.

“The journey has been extraordinary,” he reflected — from the early debates around women in episcopal leadership to this historic moment that speaks of deep change and long faithfulness within the Church.

Every visit to Canterbury evokes a sense of continuity and groundedness. Justin spoke of being acutely aware that today’s worshippers and leaders stand on the shoulders of generations who have prayed before — on their land, their whenua, and on holy ground shaped by centuries of faith. “We are custodians of the gospel in this moment in history,” he observed, holding that responsibility with humility.

Alongside the gravitas of the occasion, there was also genuine joy. Justin relished time spent with colleagues — Archbishops Don and Sione — sharing laughter, conversation, and the rare pleasure of gathering with fellow leaders from across the Anglican Communion.

In a world that often feels fragmented and torn, the service left Justin deeply encouraged. He spoke of feeling “full of hope,” seeing in Archbishop Sarah’s leadership a visible sign of what the Church might offer the world — not alone, but together.