Election countdown for new Archbishop
by Jamie Bullen
jbullen@thekmgroup.co.uk
The new Archbishop of Canterbury has been formally elected
following a historic ceremony held at Canterbury Cathedral.
Incoming primate Justin Welby was elected by the College of
Canons of Canterbury which is made up of senior clergy and lay
people.
The ceremony dates back over a thousand years and is the first
official formality for the new Archbishop before his enthronement
in March.
It was carried out at a private service at the Cathedral's
Chapter House where historically decisions have been made.
The Dean of Canterbury Cathedral Reverend Dr Robert Willis said:
"The decision we made this morning is taken formally to
London.
"In St Paul's Cathedral on February 4, I shall present
this to the Queen's commission.
"They will say that is valid, legal and right and at that moment
Justin Welby becomes in all powers the Archbishop of
Canterbury."
The Very Revd Dr Willis said he knows Bishop Welby well
from his four years as the Dean of Liverpool when he was
chairman of the English Deans.
He said: "He is someone who has led a different life, had
different careers and therefore is easy of language in helping
people to understand what he is saying."
Dr Willis also paid tribute to outgoing Archbishop Dr Rowan
Williams who left his position as head of the English Church after
nine years in Canterbury.
10/01/13
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