The Vacancy in See Committee – the group that manages and oversees the diocese’s role in the process – has published its 'Statement of Needs' and for the first time in the Church of England's history, the candidate may be male or female.
In a break from tradition, the next Archbishop should be someone ‘who will ordain and consecrate women and men, will unequivocally affirm and support the ministry of both, and may themselves be male or female.’
The Statement of Needs will be read by candidates as well as the Crown Nominations Commission (CNC), the body that is meeting to pray, reflect and ultimately nominate someone to be the 106th Archbishop of Canterbury.
The document, which incorporates views which were gathered as part of a recent public consultation, says a leader with the 'utmost integrity' is sought and one who has 'theological depth'.
Sexuality is one of the main issues challenging the Church of England and the document says the next Archbishop ‘will continue to work constructively with the Living in Love and Faith (LLF) process’. They will need to ‘embrace those who pray for change to enable same-sex partners to marry in the CofE. They will also embrace those who hold the current CofE teaching on marriage.’
The Bishop of Leicester Rt Rev Martyn Snow stepped down from overseeing the LLF process last week, saying agreement couldn't be reached under his leadership.
Other requirements include developing a relationship of ‘mutual trust, understanding and support with the Bishop of Dover’, a ‘commitment to growth, mission and worship’ and an ‘awareness of the burden which administrative tasks place on clergy and parish officers’.
The next Archbishop should be ‘a servant leader who shows compassion to the disadvantaged and marginalised’ and someone who will be ‘curious about and committed to understanding the realities of life for young people both in and outside the church’. He or she must be ‘prophetic’ addressing the social and political issues which impact the most vulnerable, and also ‘unapologetic’ about the Christian faith.
The Archdeacon of Canterbury Ven Dr Will Adam, who is Chair of the Committee writes in the foreword that 'We are praying for the calling out of a faithful pastor to be our Archbishop.'
The CNC will make its nomination to the Prime Minister who, if he accepts, will advise the King, who will formally appoint the next Archbishop of Canterbury.
An announcement is expected in the Autumn.