The election of Pope Francis in March 2013 marked a historic moment for the Roman Catholic Church, as the cardinals selected a leader from the Global South for the first time. Hailing from Buenos Aires, Argentina, Pope Francis was seen as a choice that embraced diversity and brought a fresh perspective to the Vatican.
Pope Francis’ leadership has been characterized by his humility, commitment to the poor, and dedication to peace. His concerns about environmental issues, particularly their disproportionate impact on impoverished communities, have also been noted. As the Church of England searches for a new Archbishop of Canterbury, there may be valuable lessons to learn from his selection.
While the Catholic Church’s process to elect a new pope is known for its swift execution, the Church of England may find inspiration in the boldness of the cardinals’ decision. By choosing a Jesuit from Buenos Aires, the cardinals demonstrated a willingness to think beyond traditional boundaries, selecting someone who could influence the core of the Church despite originating from its periphery.
Given the global role of the Archbishop of Canterbury, perhaps it is time to consider a candidate from outside the UK. Could this be a transformative move for both the Church of England and its global community? Furthermore, should the possibility of appointing a woman, a person of color, or a significantly younger individual be considered to reflect modern diversity and rejuvenate the Church?
The Catholic Church took a significant step with Pope Francis, a decision many view as divinely guided and wise. Similarly, the Church of England, amidst challenges such as safeguarding issues and debates over sexual ethics, has an opportunity to make a courageous choice.
The next Archbishop of Canterbury might be an unexpected figure, one who is currently unknown to most Anglicans but is quietly being prepared for the role. This could be a pivotal moment for the Church of England to embrace a leader ‘from the margins’ who can invigorate the Church and confidently address the needs of the 21st century.
Rev Peter Crumpler is a Church of England minister in St Albans, Herts, UK, and a former communications director with the CofE.
This article was originally written by www.christiantoday.com
