It is in this context that the attention of the Anglican Communion has again turned to Canterbury. The bishop’s chair there will soon be vacant, even as Rowan Williams takes full advantage of the months preceding his December retirement. And while speculation as to his successor runs hot, most observers place their bets on current occupants of English sees. That would be a mistake. As the Anglican Communion continues its growth in the non-Western world, I believe its nominal leader must reflect that change: it is time for an African Archbishop of Canterbury....Discuss.
None would be without his own set of difficulties—the role is famously thankless. None, certainly, would conform to the traditional expectations for the Archbishop of Canterbury. But that, perhaps, is precisely the point. The current pattern of appointing a grey- or no-haired white male as Archbishop of Canterbury has produced little in the way of progress for the Anglican Communion.
Thursday, June 28, 2012
Should the next ABC be African?
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8 comments:
Given the homophobic men who seem to run most of the African churches, I suspect it would be the death of the CoE. When disestablishment happens that might be a possibility. I doubt the politicians in England would allow that now. Would certainly be interesting however.
The ABC is only incidentally "head of the Anglican Communion." He (he for now) is primarily Primate of All England. The next ABC needs to be someone who understands England and can repair the damage that concentrating on Provincial politics has brought about. The Church of England needs quality attention, STAT!
He is also a member of the House of Lords by virtue of his office so I suspect UK nationality would be required.
Trying again.....
The one who likely meets the minimal national requirements is +York. God forbid!!!!
Does "African" mean "Citizen of an African Nation", or does "African" mean "of African descent" (or does it just mean black)?
As I assume +York pledged loyalty to the Queen when he became a UK citizen, one could argue that he is no more "African" than the President of the United States is! [Insert Birthers piping up hysterically]
To me the author meant bishop from an African Anglican church. The only white bishops of African churches of whom I am aware are the schematics who left TEC and were made bishops by African churches. The church most likely to perhaps also have a white bishop is the Anglican Church in Southern Africa, but I am not familiar with any.
+York is Ugandan by birth and eventually had to flee for his life. He settled in England. He studied theology and was ordained by the CoE. From everything I have heard him publicly state, he is anti-GLBT. I would not like to see him appointed to be ABC.
One negative comment about Arbp Williams has been that he does not really understand the CofE, having come from Wales. I think putting much emphasis on the Arbp's role in the Communion would be a disaster.
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