Archbishop confirmed as Rt Rev Justin Welby
The Bishop of Durham has been confirmed as the next
Archbishop of Canterbury.
The Queen approved the nomination of the Rt Rev Justin Welby as
the 105th Archbishop of Canterbury.
The Eton-educated bishop (pictured left) worked in the oil
industry for 11 years before leaving to train for the Anglican
priesthood.
Bishop Welby, 56, pictured left, will be enthroned as
Archbishop of Canterbury in Canterbury Cathedral on March 21 next
year.
He said today: “To be nominated to this post is both astonishing
and exciting.
"It is something I never expected, and the last few weeks have
been a very strange experience.
"It is exciting because we are at one of those rare points where
the tide of events is turning, and the church nationally, including
the Church of England has great opportunities to match its very
great but often hidden strengths.
"I feel a massive sense of privilege at
being one of those responsible for the leadership of the church in
a time of spiritual hunger, when our network of parishes and
churches and schools and above all people means that we are facing
the toughest issues in the toughest place.”
Outgoing Archbishop Dr Rowan Williams (pictured left) said he
was "delighted at the appointment".
He added: "I have had the privilege of working closely with him
on various occasions and have always been enriched and encouraged
by the experience.
"He has an extraordinary range of skills and is a person of
grace, patience, wisdom and humour.
"He will bring to this office both a rich pastoral experience
and a keen sense of international priorities, for Church and
world."
09/11/12
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