The next Archbishop of Canterbury will be announced on Friday, marking a historic moment for the Church of England (CoE). For the first time in its 1,400-year history, two women are among the frontrunners for this prestigious role. This announcement follows the resignation of Justin Welby, prompted by a critical review of the Church’s handling of a sexual abuse scandal.
Frontrunners for Archbishop of Canterbury Position
While there is no formal list of candidates, bookmakers have identified several key contenders. Among them are:
- Rachel Treweek: The first female diocesan bishop, serving as the Bishop of Gloucester since 2015. Treweek has initiated significant campaigns, such as #Liedentity, which addresses body image issues in youth, and Fighting for Women’s Justice, aimed at improving the justice system for women.
- Guli Francis-Dehqani: An Iranian-born bishop, who emigrated to the UK as a refugee. She currently serves as the lead bishop for housing and chairs the Church Army board.
- Martyn Snow: The Bishop of Leicester, who has been in position since 2016. He previously led discussions on blessing same-sex couples but resigned from that role this year.
- Pete Wilcox: The Bishop of Sheffield, with over 30 years of ministry experience. He is also an accomplished author and former senior lecturer in creative writing.
Challenges for a Female Archbishop
This marks the first time that women have been eligible for the archbishop role. Since the consecration of female bishops began around a decade ago, they now comprise nearly one-third of all bishops in England. However, there remain reservations among some conservative factions within the Anglican community about a woman taking on this symbolic leadership role.
Role Requirements for the New Archbishop
The Diocese of Canterbury has outlined a comprehensive ‘statement of needs’ for the next archbishop. Key attributes include:
- Theological depth and strong communication skills.
- Integrity and the ability to address church injustices honestly.
- A compassionate servant leader focused on supporting marginalized communities.
- Commitment to inclusivity in ministry for both genders.
- Ability to navigate discussions surrounding same-sex marriage within the church.
Selection Process for the Archbishop
The Archbishop of Canterbury is appointed by the Crown Nominations Commission, led by Jonathan Evans, a former MI5 director-general. This commission consists of 17 members, including representatives from the global Anglican Communion and the Church of England’s governing body. Candidates must be at least 30 years old and generally under 70 years of age, with a preference for individuals already in senior church roles.
Duties of the Archbishop of Canterbury
As the foremost leader of the Church of England, the Archbishop of Canterbury plays a critical role in guiding church initiatives across the southern regions of England. Responsibilities include presiding over synods, participating in the House of Lords as a ‘Lord Spiritual’, and serving various charitable organizations. The new archbishop will have a significant impact on both church governance and societal issues.
As the announcement approaches, the world watches closely to see how this pivotal appointment will shape the future of the Church of England and its global Anglican community.
