Resignation of the Archbishop of Canterbury

On Monday, 12 November an announcement came from Lambeth that the Archbishop of Canterbury in the Church of England, Justin Welby, was to resign from his role. Justin was appointed Archbishop in 2013 and has been a key figure in initiatives to revive and renew the Church of England, particularly through partnerships with Anglican Church planting networks and evangelistic initiaitves.

His resignation comes following the release of a report into abuse in the Church of England and the identification of failings on behalf of the church and of Archbishop Justin to respond to abuse and the raising of complaints. Archbishop Justin has acknowledged his own failings in this, particularly in response to the abuse perpetrated by a clergyman by the name of John Smyth. The Archbishop hopes that his decision to resign is able to reflect the seriousness with which the Church of England is taking the issue of safeguarding and the need to address the cultures of silence that exists and allow abuse to continue in some places.

In his announcement, the Archbishop has asked that the church continue to pray for him and his family, particularly his wife, Caroline, and his children. They have taken significant roles in their own right during his tenure as Archbishop. We would also encourage you to pray for the Crown Nominations Commission and for King Charles III who will be responsible for appointing a new Archbishop of Canterbury, May their discernment be in keeping with that of the Holy Spirit and a leader appointed to guide the Church of England in its efforts to proclaim the gospel.

Within the wider Anglican Communion, of which our diocese and parish is a part, the Archbishop does not hold any constitutional role or authority, instead acting as a point of connection and communion. His office and he as a figurehead are one of the four instruments of communion that bind together the global Anglican communion. These instruments are the Archbishop of Canterbury, The Lambeth Conference, the Primates Meeting and the Anglican Consultative Council.