The process of selecting the next Archbishop of Canterbury has begun, and the Bishop of Norwich, the Rt Rev Graham Usher, will play a crucial role in this process. Despite speculation that he might be a leading candidate for the position, Bishop Graham has made it clear that he will not be taking on the role himself. Instead, he has been elected as a member of the Crown Nominations Commission (CNC) for the See of Canterbury, which is responsible for selecting the next Archbishop. This commission is a significant body that brings together representatives from the Church of England to discern and choose the most suitable candidate for this high-profile position. Bishop Graham’s election to the CNC is a testament to his experience and wisdom as a bishop, and his commitment to serving the people and parishes of the Diocese of Norwich.
As a member of the CNC, Bishop Graham will join the Archbishop of York, Most Rev Stephen Cottrell, as the second Church of England episcopal member of the Canterbury CNC. The remaining membership of the commission will be announced in early April, and the full commission will convene for its first meeting in May. Over the next few months, the commission will meet several times to agree on the role profile and person specification for the next Archbishop of Canterbury, and to discern and interview candidates. It’s worth noting that individuals cannot apply for the role of Archbishop of Canterbury; instead, they will be invited to participate in a careful and prayerful process of discernment. This approach reflects the Church of England’s commitment to seeking God’s guidance and wisdom in the selection process. Bishop Graham has emphasized the importance of listening carefully to the hopes, joys, challenges, and fears of the diocese of Canterbury, the wider Church of England, and the Anglican Communion, as well as the candidates themselves. He is particularly keen to hear from marginalized and excluded voices, and to ensure that the commission is guided by God’s still, small voice.
Bishop Graham’s approach to this process is characterized by humility, prayerfulness, and a deep commitment to serving the Church. He has stated that the next Archbishop of Canterbury will need to be a humble follower of Jesus, a pastor and shepherd, and a gentle prophet for our time. He believes that this person will need to be someone who can draw others to the abundant joy of Gospel life, and who can provide wise and compassionate leadership to the Church. Bishop Graham’s own sense of vocation and calling is rooted in his love for the people and parishes of the Diocese of Norwich, as well as his national and international environmental roles. He has emphasized that he has felt no sense of inner calling to be Archbishop of Canterbury, but rather a continued sense of calling to serve in his current role. This sense of clarity and purpose is a testament to Bishop Graham’s integrity and commitment to his faith.
The selection process for the next Archbishop of Canterbury is likely to be a complex and challenging one, involving careful discernment and prayerful consideration. The CNC will need to weigh a range of factors, including the candidate’s theological vision, leadership style, and ability to communicate the Gospel in a rapidly changing world. The commission will also need to consider the needs and aspirations of the Church of England, as well as the wider Anglican Communion. Bishop Graham’s role on the CNC will be to provide wise and thoughtful guidance, drawing on his experience as a bishop and his deep understanding of the Church. He will be joined by other members of the commission, each bringing their own unique perspective and expertise to the table. Together, they will work to discern the best candidate for the role, someone who can provide inspiring and effective leadership to the Church.
As the Church of England looks to the future, the selection of the next Archbishop of Canterbury is a critical moment in its history. The Archbishop plays a vital role in shaping the Church’s theology, mission, and ministry, and in providing a visible symbol of unity and leadership. The next Archbishop will need to be someone who can navigate the complexities of a rapidly changing world, while remaining rooted in the timeless principles of the Gospel. They will need to be a skilled communicator, able to articulate the Church’s message in a way that is clear, compelling, and relevant to contemporary society. They will also need to be a compassionate and empathetic leader, able to listen to and understand the needs and concerns of a diverse range of people. Bishop Graham’s commitment to listening to marginalized and excluded voices is a vital part of this process, as the Church seeks to become more inclusive and welcoming to all.
In conclusion, the selection process for the next Archbishop of Canterbury is a significant and complex process, involving careful discernment and prayerful consideration. Bishop Graham’s role on the CNC is a crucial one, as he brings his experience and wisdom to the table. His commitment to listening to marginalized and excluded voices, and to seeking God’s guidance and wisdom, is a testament to his integrity and faith. As the Church of England looks to the future, it is clear that the next Archbishop of Canterbury will need to be a humble, compassionate, and visionary leader, able to inspire and guide the Church in its mission to share the Gospel with the world. The CNC’s careful and prayerful process of discernment will ultimately lead to the selection of a candidate who can provide wise and effective leadership to the Church, and who can draw others to the abundant joy of Gospel life. With Bishop Graham’s guidance and leadership, the Church can look forward to a bright and hopeful future, one that is rooted in the timeless principles of the Gospel and guided by a deep sense of compassion, empathy, and love.
