The Diocese of Canterbury has outlined what it’s on the lookout for in the subsequent Archbishop of Canterbury and, notably, has removed the requirement that the role go to a person.
The Archbishop of Canterbury can be head of the worldwide Anglican Communion, a denomination that has churches in Africa, Asia, the Americas, England and Europe. They may even be an everyday diocesan bishop for the people of Canterbury.
The Venerable Dr Will Adam, Archdeacon of Canterbury Chair, who sits on Vacancy in See Committee, said, “Locally we realise that responsibilities within the diocese will form but a small a part of the Archbishop’s total ministry.”
He added, “That said, there may be an actual and tangible sense of connection and affection for the Archbishop of Canterbury within the parishes and communities of the diocese. The Archbishop is ‘our’ Archbishop alongside their responsibilities within the Church of England, the nation, the Anglican Communion and on the world stage.”
In a document outlining the diocese’s requirements, they said the brand new archbishop needs to be a person of “theological depth” and someone who’s willing to ordain each men and girls.
On the thorny issue of recognising gay marriage inside the Church, the diocese merely stated that it wanted someone who would embrace either side of the difficulty.
“They will affirm that we’re all created and loved into being whilst all also having sinned and fallen wanting the glory of God,” the statement of needs reads.
“They will embrace those that pray for change to enable same-sex partners to marry within the Church of England. They may even embrace those that hold the present Church of England teaching on marriage.”
The diocese also said it was on the lookout for someone who could be “unapologetic” about giving a Christian viewpoint on local, national and global issues, and would “speak prophetically” about issues that may severely impact essentially the most disadvantaged in society.
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