Concerns Raised Over Archbishop of Canterbury Appointment Process

Concerns Raised Over Selection Process for the Next Archbishop of Canterbury

The appointment of the next Archbishop of Canterbury has sparked debate due to perceived opacity and complexity in the selection process. A member of the Church of England Evangelical Council (CEEC) has expressed dissatisfaction with the procedures involved.

Former Archbishop Justin Welby announced his resignation last year amidst criticism of his handling of abuse allegations, prompting the need for a new leader of the Anglican Communion.

The selection process for the Archbishop begins with Vacancy in See Committees (ViSCs) from each diocese. These committees elect members to the Crown Nominations Commission (CNC), which then deliberates on candidates and conducts interviews.

The final nominee is presented to the King through the Prime Minister, who then appoints the new Archbishop of Canterbury officially.

Rev Dr Andrew Goddard from the CEEC has highlighted issues with the initial steps of this process, particularly with the ViSCs. Dr Goddard points out that the ViSC from the Canterbury diocese for 2022 to 24 did not adhere to the prescribed procedures.

Complicating matters, a second ViSC was formed after Welby’s resignation, and a third ViSC is reportedly being established in the Canterbury diocese.

Dr Goddard comments, “There appears to have been, and still remains, some considerable confusion and serious questions which need answering with no less than three different Vacancy in See Committees (ViSC) being in existence in the diocese since the vacancy was announced but with all of them potentially not compliant with the Regulation.”

Furthermore, Goddard reveals that vacancies in the Canterbury ViSCs arose due to delays in replacing members, which contravened official timelines.

Current regulations also pose limitations as Canterbury ViSCs must nominate at least one clergywoman and one lay woman, which prevents them from nominating a male priest to the CNC. This requirement ensures that “unprecedentedly, there will be no male priest from the province involved in selecting the Archbishop.”

Dr Goddard calls for “greater transparency and fuller explanations” in the selection process for the new Archbishop.