The process of appointing a new Archbishop of Canterbury
The Archbishop of Canterbury, the spiritual leader of the Church of England and the Anglican Communion, is appointed by the monarch following a prayerful and carefully structured process.
This process is led by the Crown Nominations Commission, but the Diocese of Canterbury has an important part to play in this process.
The role of the Diocese is managed by a Vacancy in See Committee. This body, representative of clergy and the laity is filled by elected and ex offico members. Once duly elected and able to meet, the Committee will create a Statement of Needs outlining the gifts, qualities and skills needed in a new Archbishop, with specific emphasis on the role as it relates to the Diocese of Canterbury.
This is followed by an extensive public consultation. This will include people across the diocese and will include schools and higher educational establishments, clergy, civic leaders and representatives of other faiths.
The Diocese of Canterbury Vacancy in See Committee will finalise the Statement of Needs and elects three representatives, a majority of who must be lay members, to the Crown Nominations Commission from its members.
The Crown Nominations Commission nominates the name of the preferred candidate to the Prime Minister, who submits the name to The King for approval. Once approved, the appointment is announced by 10 Downing Street.
The College of Canons at Canterbury Cathedral formally elects the Archbishop and a legal ceremony, the Confirmation of Election, marks the official date on which the new Archbishop takes up office. The Archbishop will pay Homage to His Majesty, The King as Supreme Governor of the Church of England.
An installation service is later held at Canterbury Cathedral to denote and mark the start of the new Archbishop’s ministry.
Once the dates are announced, they will be published on the Diocesan website.