Archbishop of Canterbury: First Time a Woman Could Hold Post

Since the year 597, when St Augustine of Canterbury was sent from Rome to convert the Anglo-Saxons, 105 men have held the post.

A New Era?

But for the first time in history, the next Archbishop of Canterbury could be a woman. At least one woman is among those being discussed as possible replacements for Justin Welby, who has resigned as Archbishop.

Frontrunners

Among the frontrunners is the Bishop of Chelmsford, Guli Francis-Dehqani, 57. Born in Iran, she was the first minority-ethnic woman to be ordained a bishop in the UK. Her father was the Anglican bishop of Iran, and her mother was injured in an assassination attempt on him in 1979, the year of the Islamic Revolution. Her brother was murdered there by Iranian agents the following year.

The Bishop of Chelmsford, Guli Francis-Dehqani is one of the frontrunners to replace Justin Welby

Others in the Running

Another leading contender is Martyn Snow, the Bishop of Leicester, 56. He is a married father of three who studied chemistry at Sheffield University and became the youngest diocesan bishop in the Church of England at 48. He has been outspoken on issues of racial justice and has apologised for the harm the Church has caused to gay couples.

Martyn Snow. The Bishop of Leicester, 56, is a married father of three who studied chemistry at Sheffield University and became the youngest diocesan bishop in the Church of England at 48

Safeguarding and LGBQT+ Rights

Guli Francis-Dehqani is admired by many for her emphasis on Christian spirituality and service, rather than programmes, targets, and management-speak. She also leans in favour of inclusion for LGBT couples, which – combined with her being a woman – could see her vetoed by some in the Church. Graham Usher, the Bishop of Norwich, is another pro-LGBT and has apologised for the harm the Church has caused to gay couples.

Rachel Treweek, the Bishop of Gloucester, became the first female bishop to sit in the House of Lords and enters Parliament as one of the Lords Spiritual

Process to Select the New Archbishop

Candidates must navigate an opaque selection process. A secretive committee called the Crown Nominations Commission will create a shortlist and undertake consultations and interviews. Eventually, the 17 voting members, including the Archbishop of York and a chairman chosen by the PM, will submit one name to No 10, to pass to the King, who officially nominates or rejects their choice.

Conclusion

The next Archbishop of Canterbury will need to navigate a complex landscape, balancing the needs and expectations of the Church while also addressing the concerns and controversies that have plagued the institution in recent years. Whoever is chosen will take on a significant responsibility to lead the Church of England into a new era of inclusivity and growth.

FAQs

Q: What is the Crown Nominations Commission?

A: The Crown Nominations Commission is a secretive committee that recommends candidates for the post of Archbishop of Canterbury to the Prime Minister.

Q: How will the new Archbishop be selected?

A: The selection process is opaque, but it typically involves a shortlist, consultations, and interviews by the Crown Nominations Commission, followed by a vote by the 17 voting members, including the Archbishop of York and a chairman chosen by the PM.

Q: What is the expected timeline for the selection of the new Archbishop?

A: The process can take between six to eight months, followed by a further period of up to three months before the sitting Archbishop formally hands over the reins.