Roles & Responsibilities
- Overview
- Diocese of Canterbury
- Church of England
- Anglican Communion
- Ecumenical Relationships
- Inter Faith
- Lambeth Palace
- Archbishop as Patron
- Archbishop's Awards
- The Archbishop's Examination in Theology
- House of Lords
-
The Archbishops from Augustine to Williams »
- Appointing an Archbishop »
- Confirming the Election of an Archbishop
- Enthronement
Appointing an Archbishop
An outline of procedures for the appointment of an Archbishop of Canterbury
The retiring Archbishop of Canterbury informs the Queen of his intentions.
The Queen accepts the resignation; the Privy Council subsequently declares the See and Archbishopric of Canterbury vacant.
The Archbishop publicly announces his decision, including the date on which it is to take effect.
The Prime Minister consults on the identity of and appoints the Chair of the Crown Appointments Commission, which will oversee the selection of a new Archbishop of Canterbury.
The Vacancy-In-See Committee in the Diocese of Canterbury meets to:
- Produce a Statement of Needs (the diocese's assessment of the qualities and skills required of the next occupant).
- Choose four members of the Crown Appointments Commission.
The Crown Appointments Commission is formed, comprising the Chair, the four diocesan members, three clergy and three lay members chosen by General Synod and two episcopal members. (In addition, the Secretary General of the Anglican Consultative Council, the Archbishops' Appointments Secretary and the Prime Minister's Appointments Secretary are non-voting members.)
The Crown Appointments Commission meets, following an extensive consultation process. The gathering continues over two and a half days—in three phases:
Review of background material
Consideration of candidates
Shortlisting and voting
- The Commission sends two names to the Prime Minister for consideration.
- Assuming he is content with them, the Prime Minister commends a name to the Queen. (If he so wishes the Prime Minister may request a further name or names from the Commission). Once the chosen candidate has indicated a willingness to serve, Ten Downing Street announces the name of the Archbishop-designate.
- The Archbishop-designate is presented at a news conference.
The Dean and Chapter of the diocese of Canterbury formally elect the new Archbishop of Canterbury.
The election is confirmed in a legal ceremony.
The new Archbishop takes up office.
The new Archbishop is formally enthroned at Canterbury Cathedral.