The name of the new archbishop of Canterbury, the spiritual leader of the Anglican Communion, is expected to be announced in autumn. It was stated today in a release from London. The procedure for the selection and appointment of the next archbishop of Canterbury has actually begun by now, after Rowan Williams resigned. The English Prime Minister appointed Lord Richard Luce president of the “Crown Nominations Commission”, which has the delicate task of selecting the next archbishop. In commenting on such appointment, Lord Luce said that it is “a great privilege”. “I approach this task with humbleness and with a strong sense of responsibility, which I will share with the Commission members. I am perfectly aware of the meaning of the role the archbishop plays, both nationally and all over the world. It is of course an extremely important role for both the Church of England and for the broader community of out country, given the contribution made by the Church to our society, at all levels”. (continued)

As well as being the leader of the Church of England, the archbishop of Canterbury is “the head of all of the Anglican Community scattered ll over the world. And the appointment of an archbishop of Canterbury - Lord Luce points out - is extremely significant, not least for the other Christian confessions and the other faiths. Archbishop Rowan made an excellent contribution to all these areas. Finding a worthy successor will be no easy task for the Commission". The “Crown Nominations Commission” has been tasked with submitting the name of the new archbishop of Canterbury to the Prime Minister, who will then ask for the agreement of Her Majesty the Queen. The release states that the name of the new archbishop will be announced in autumn. The Commission is an institution of the Church that brings together priests and lay people, as well as delegates of the Anglican Communion from all over the world.