The resignation of Justin Welby, the Archbishop of Canterbury, following a sex abuse scandal has ignited a wave of speculation about his successor. The spiritual leader of 85 million Anglicans worldwide, the Archbishop of Canterbury holds a position of immense influence, and the selection process is expected to be a pivotal moment for the Church of England. Amidst calls for a more inclusive and progressive leader, many within the Church and beyond are hoping the next Archbishop will be a woman, a person of color, or someone who champions LGBTQ+ rights.
While Stephen Cottrell, the Archbishop of York, will temporarily assume the top position, the selection of a permanent successor will take several months. The potential candidates represent a diverse range of perspectives and priorities, reflecting the evolving landscape of the Church of England. Here’s a look at some of the leading contenders:
Martyn Snow
, aged 56, stands as a prominent contender. Currently serving as the Bishop of Leicester since 2016, he is known for his unwavering commitment to addressing poverty issues. Snow chairs the College of Archbishops’ Evangelists, an initiative dedicated to developing the ministry of evangelists across the Church of England. His deep-rooted focus on alleviating poverty positions him as a potential advocate for social justice within the Church.Guli Francis-Dehqani
, whose father was the Anglican bishop of Iran, is another potential successor. Forced to flee Iran during the 1980 revolution, she was appointed Bishop of Chelmsford in 2021, a position that also granted her a seat in the House of Lords. Dehqani is widely recognized for her unwavering commitment to inclusivity, including her strong support for LGBTQ+ rights within the Church. Her emphasis on Christian service over managerial approaches makes her a compelling candidate for those seeking a more pastoral leadership style.Graham Usher
, originally from Ghana, is another figure with a strong contender for the position. His unwavering commitment to environmental causes has been a defining characteristic of his career, serving as the lead bishop on environmental issues. Usher’s voting in favor of services to bless same-sex couples further underscores his progressive stance on social issues. He became Bishop of Norwich in 2017 and was appointed to the House of Lords in 2023.Rachel Treweek
broke barriers in 2015 when she became the first woman to be appointed a diocesan (senior) bishop and the first female bishop to sit in the House of Lords. At 61 years of age, Treweek has consistently challenged traditional notions of gender and faith, publicly expressing her belief that God is neither male nor female. She has also been a vocal critic of the Church of England’s lack of diversity and has campaigned against negative body image among girls and young women.The selection of the next Archbishop of Canterbury will not only shape the future of the Church of England but also serve as a reflection of the evolving social and political landscape of the United Kingdom. With a diverse range of potential candidates, the upcoming months will be crucial in determining the direction the Church will take under its new leadership.
