A DOCTOR from Arncliffe has been honoured by the Archbishop of Canterbury for her work on the Covid pandemic with the Church of England.
Dr Smith was presented with the Cross of St Augustine, one of the highest honours in the Church of England, by the Most Rev Justin Welby in a ceremony held on International Women's Day at Lambeth Palace, the official London residence of the Archbishop of Canterbury.
She received the award for 'outstanding service to support the Anglican Communion’s pandemic response, including through the Global Covid-19 Task Force.
Dr Smith, a member of the Upper Wharfedale parish, was one of just 37 recipients across four continents to be honoured in this year's awards. She was accompanied at the ceremony by her husband, Dr Ian Smith, and their daughter, Anandi.
Afterwards, she said: “I must say it was a complete surprise, and I am both honoured and humbled by the award as I much prefer to stay invisible and ‘behind the scenes’.
"It was also an honour to receive this award on International Women’s Day - recognising the work of so many women and men over the last two years in the Anglican Alliance, and the Anglican Health and Community Network, including Rev Canon Rachel Carnegie, Dr Janice Tsang, Bishop Michael Beasley, Bishop Luke Pato, and many others.
"Anglicans and people from other faith traditions as well as colleagues in WHO, have supported the engagement of faith partners from all traditions in responses to Covid-19 based on both accurate scientific information and faith. Thanks to such a great crowd of witnesses and hard-working colleagues.”
The Bishop of Ripon, Dr Helen-Ann Hartley, congratulated Dr Smith on her award. “I am absolutely delighted that Sally has received this most well-deserved honour, and recognition of the vital role she has played.
“Sally is an inspiringly persistent and humble leader, who bears her expertise with lightness and grace."
The citation for Dr Smith's award pays tribute to her 'outstanding service to the Anglican Communion during the pandemic' and how she played 'a leading role on the Covid-19 Global Task Force, convened by the Anglican Alliance'.
It continues: "The Global Task Force has supported the Anglican family of churches and agencies as they each respond in their own context to this public health crisis, with its related social and economic impacts, especially in the most vulnerable communities. This collaborative work has built on international technical expertise, including Sally’s own expertise in the role of faith in responding to pandemics."
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