Archbishop of Canterbury The Most Reverend Dame Sarah Mullally remarks during her visit to the Sternberg Centre earlier on Thursday 14 May 2026. The Archbishop spoke to Progressive clergy, student rabbis and staff members in Leo Baeck College’s Lily Montagu Reading Room:
Thank you so much for having me here today, and for welcoming me so warmly, Rabbi Charley and Rabbi Josh.
The Movement for Progressive Judaism is clearly thriving with theological training at Leo Baeck College, a dynamic school at Akiva Primary, and community outreach and interfaith engagement through your rabbis and congregations.
It’s a privilege to be witnessing the extraordinary breadth of educational, theological and community work being done by those who live, work, worship and learn here.
This Centre is a testament to the vibrant life of Jewish communities and the essential contribution you make to British society. From charity work and healthcare, to education and the arts, your flourishing community enriches society and embodies the best values of this country.
But as I arrived through the security gates earlier, it was impossible to ignore the distressing truth about Jewish life in Britain today.
Jewish places of worship and community life have been targeted and have been under surveillance. Students at the Akiva School, and at Jewish schools around the country, must enter through fortified gates.
As a parent myself, I cannot imagine how frightening it must be to drop your children off at school and worry about them making it home safely without fear of harassment or attack.
And yet this is the terrifying reality for so many Jewish communities – as we have witnessed a horrifying increase in antisemitic violence over the past few weeks, months and years. It is completely unacceptable that you live this reality every day.
This is not a problem for the Jewish community to solve. It’s on all of us – every single member of our society – to call out antisemitism whenever we see it, and to oppose it without hesitation or qualification.
For the Church of England, such solidarity must also mean action, as well as words. We are committed to serving the whole nation by working together to tackle hatred in all its forms, knowing that violence against one group wounds us all.
I am convinced our nation’s schools, colleges and universities are at the forefront of countering religious intolerance. They can be shining examples of mutual flourishing. They can foster sensitivity and religious understanding. They can encourage young people to be enriched by challenge and encounter. They can help them grow as true neighbours and friends, as part of the same country. Let us hold that vision dear and renew our commitment to it.
Thank you again for your kind and generous welcome. I will cherish this visit and I’m grateful for the opportunity to learn about the work that you do.
Please be assured of my prayers, support and friendship – now and in the years to come.