Archbishop of Canterbury

Official portrait of The Lord Archbishop of Canterbury

Archbishop of Canterbury is the senior bishop and principal leader of the Church of England, the symbolic head of the worldwide Anglican Communion, and the diocesan bishop of the Diocese of Canterbury. The current officeholder, as of this writing, is Justin Welby, who was enthroned at Canterbury Cathedral on 21 March 2013.

History

The history of the Archbishop of Canterbury dates back to the 6th century when Augustine of Canterbury was sent by Pope Gregory I to convert the Anglo-Saxons to Christianity. Augustine became the first Archbishop in 597 AD. The role has since evolved, combining religious, political, and legal duties. The Archbishop of Canterbury has played a significant role in the history of England, including the English Reformation when the Church of England broke away from the authority of the Pope and the Roman Catholic Church.

Role and Responsibilities

The Archbishop of Canterbury has several roles and responsibilities. As the spiritual leader of the Church of England, they are involved in setting the church's teaching and worship. They also have a role in the global Anglican Communion, acting as a focus for unity by presiding over the Lambeth Conference, the Anglican Consultative Council, and the Primates' Meeting. Additionally, the Archbishop has a significant role in the UK, where they are involved in national ceremonies and have a seat in the House of Lords as one of the Lords Spiritual. The Archbishop also exercises a range of ecclesiastical and legal powers.

Selection Process

The Archbishop of Canterbury is appointed by the British monarch, on the advice of the Prime Minister. The selection process involves the Crown Nominations Commission, which submits a name to the Prime Minister, who then makes a recommendation to the monarch. The process seeks to find a bishop who can lead the church, uphold its teachings, and represent it effectively at home and abroad.

Residence

The official residence of the Archbishop of Canterbury is Lambeth Palace, located in London. The Archbishop also has a residence at the Old Palace, Canterbury, near Canterbury Cathedral, which is the mother church of the Anglican Communion.

Notable Archbishops

Several Archbishops of Canterbury have had significant impacts on both the church and British society. Notable figures include Thomas Becket, who was martyred in Canterbury Cathedral in 1170; Thomas Cranmer, a leader of the English Reformation who compiled the first two versions of the Book of Common Prayer; and William Laud, whose policies contributed to the outbreak of the English Civil War.

Contemporary Issues

The Archbishop of Canterbury often addresses contemporary issues, including social justice, poverty, and international conflict. They also work towards Christian unity and engage in interfaith dialogue.

See Also

• Anglican Communion
• Church of England
• Lambeth Conference
• Primates' Meeting
• Anglican Consultative Council