The Church of England finds itself at a crossroads following the resignation of Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby amidst a child protection scandal. As the church grapples with declining membership and internal divisions, the choice of Welby’s successor could prove pivotal in shaping its future course.
A Call for Diversity in Church Leadership
Many observers see the vacancy as an opportunity for the Church of England to break with tradition and appoint its first female archbishop. Despite allowing the ordination of women bishops since 2014, the church has yet to elevate a woman to its most senior position.
“It’s high time for the Church of England to practice what it preaches on gender equality,” remarked a theologian who requested anonymity. “Appointing a female archbishop would send a powerful message that the church is ready to embrace change.”
Others argue that the church should prioritize racial diversity in its selection. Currently, only a handful of the church’s 42 diocesan bishops are from ethnic minority backgrounds.
The Church of England must reflect the diversity of the society it serves. Appointing an archbishop of color would demonstrate a commitment to inclusivity and help the church connect with marginalized communities.
– A prominent lay member of the General Synod
Potential Contenders for the Top Job
As the Crown Nominations Commission begins its search, several names have emerged as potential front-runners:
- Stephen Cottrell, Archbishop of York – As the church’s second most senior cleric, Cottrell would provide continuity. However, at age 66, he may be deemed too old for the demanding role.
- Guli Francis-Dehqani, Bishop of Chelmsford – An Iranian-born refugee, Francis-Dehqani would be the first ethnic minority archbishop. She is known for her interfaith work and support for LGBT+ inclusivity.
- Martyn Snow, Bishop of Leicester – A centrist, Snow has navigated the church’s divisions on sexuality. He has also spoken out on racial justice issues.
- Rachel Treweek, Bishop of Gloucester – As the first female diocesan bishop, Treweek is a trailblazer. She has challenged the church’s lack of diversity but, at 61, her age could count against her.
The Challenges Ahead
Whoever is chosen will face a daunting task. The Church of England has seen a steady erosion in attendance, with Sunday worshippers falling by 15% in the past decade. Bitter divisions persist over the church’s stance on same-sex marriage.
The new archbishop will also need to rebuild trust following the child abuse scandal that precipitated Welby’s downfall. “Welby’s successor must be prepared to lead a full and transparent reckoning,” insisted a child protection advocate. “Anything less will be a betrayal of survivors.”
As it begins its arduous selection process, the Church of England faces a clear choice: cling to tradition or embrace change. Its decision will resonate far beyond the cloistered confines of Lambeth Palace. For a church that has long struggled to adapt to the modern world, the stakes could not be higher.
