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Consultation opens on the appointment of the next Archbishop of Canterbury
30 March 2012Announcements in the Church Times, Church of England Newspaper and The Times have started the consultation process ahead of consideration by the Crown Nominations Commission as to who will follow Dr Rowan Williams as the 105th Archbishop of Canterbury.
This is the first time the process for nominating a new Archbishop of Canterbury has begun with such an announcement, following changes to introduce more transparency in the appointment of bishops.
The Most Revd and Rt Hon Dr Rowan Williams will be stepping down from the office of the Archbishop of Canterbury on 31st December 2012.
Any person wishing to comment on the challenges and opportunities that should be taken in to account in considering the appointment of his successor or who wishes to propose candidates should email, by Monday 30th April, to abc.vacancy@churchofengland.org .
Comments and proposals can also be sent in writing to one of the following:
Sir Paul Britton,
Prime Minister’s Secretary for Appointments
c/o Honours and Appointments Secretariat
Admiralty Arch
The Mall
London
SW1A 2WHMs. Caroline Boddington
Archbishops’ Secretary for Appointments
The Wash House
Lambeth Palace
London
SE1 7JU
The linked press release gives more detail on the procedure. The same material can also be found here.
So . . . should persons not members of the Church of England weigh in, given the ABC’s international role, and evident ability to derail the Communion for the rest of us?
I agree with Jeremy’s intimation that comments ought to be accepted from other parts of the Anglican Communion – because of the wider role of the ABC in inter-Provincial affairs. After all, the proposed Covenant Process – advocated by the Archbishop of Canterbury – is a matter that concerns us all, not just members of the church of England.
Dear Sir/Madam, It was good to see your invitation to comment on the above appointment in the Times newspaper. I feel that we should have an Archbishop who: Is a larger than life character who will inspire people and who has the ability rise above issues such as women bishops, gay marriages and homosexual priests. While these areas may be important, they are small in the great scheme of things. They pale into insignificance compared with the care of hearts and minds throughout the Anglican Communion. Perhaps the new incumbent should concentrate on bigger issues that rather than getting bogged… Read more »
Ideally:
Godly. Intelligent. Humble. Purposeful.
Yes; Jeremy; everyone should weigh in, since, for better or worse, the appointment affects those far beyond the Church of England.
As I understand it, it is the expectation of the process that comments and perspectives should come from all and sundry, though how far and wide they actively seek them isn’t entirely clear.
Nice characteristics for the ideal Archbishop of Canterbury, ‘badman’: (Godly, intelligent, humble and purposeful). However, it hasn’t worked in this instance. What makes you think it might work next time?
It didn’t work for Jesus, either, come to think about it. (despised, rejected).
I wish I could think that my contribution to the consultation would make any more difference than it will to the deliberations of group on sexuality or for that matter the selection of the next Bishop of Chichester. However I suppose that I will send something, you never know.
Why not give it a go, Richard. You never know what might turn up in the clearing house at Lambeth.