Seeker

The Archbishop of Canterbury has recently invited the 37 Archbishops of the world-wide Anglican Communion to gather in January. The purpose of this gathering is "to reflect and pray together concerning the future of the Anglican Communion." Justin Welby's statement about this invitation is here.  The big questions are Who will actually come? (A similarly meeting in 2011 had significant absentees) Will it be of any value and if so what and how? Some media reactions to Archbishop Justin's initiative have called it a "summons". It is not a summons. It is an invitation. The Archbishop of Canterbury does not have the authority of a pope. In relation to the other Archbishops he is 'primus inter pares' (first among equals) - in other words a symbolic leader. The Anglican Church is not a global institution with corporate governance. Each province operates independently and is loosely linked as a Communion. The Anglican Communion was descri...

Justin Welby was named this morning as the next Archbishop of Canterbury, which was no surprise after the media leaks of the last few days. It does seem he was surprised to be asked. And no doubt rather daunted. Many others more eloquent and informed than I am have published their reactions. Here's my brief 2-pennyworth. I was encouraged by his opening statement at the press conference at Lambeth Palace this morning. He began with one of my favourite prayers "Come Holy Spirit to the hearts of your people  and kindle in them the fire of your love." Speaking of the future of the church he expressed optimism and said: "We will certainly get things wrong, but the grace of God is far greater than our biggest failures." You can see the video or read the full text on the Archbishop of Canterbury website here.  Image Credit: weather vane, Lambeth Palace by sczscz: Creative Commons License

When the name of the next Archbishop of Canterbury is officially announced, possibly tomorrow, the news will feel like old news. Since bookmakers closed betting on this at the start of the week, gossipers have been harder at work than ever.  Rumours about who has been chosen have been widely published in the press, radio and TV today and yesterday and many clergy have tweeted and blogged about the leaked name. Even the BBC today announced the (presumed) identity of the next Archbishop of Canterbury designate. The headline on the BBC website looks like an announcement but the reporter is careful to say 'it is thought...' - thus confirming that that even the once trusted BBC is reporting a leak, or gossip or speculation. Shame on you BBC. The Church of England website has joined in the gossip by publishing several links to speculative articles and comment in today's Daily Media Briefing . I suppose it's all about everyone racing to be the first with the news and in...