Teachers’ Being an Fact file 5 archbishop
The Church of England is arranged geographically into 44 areas called Dioceses. Each diocese is under the care of a Bishop but the dioceses are also split into two archdiocese or sees, overseen by the two Anglican archbishops. In the United Kingdom as a whole there are a further three high-ranking bishops: the Archbishop of Wales, the Archbishop of Armagh, Northern Ireland, and the ‘Primus’ of Scotland. An Archbishop is responsible for the care and encouragement of the clergy and people of the Diocese in which he lives but he takes precedence over ordinary bishops. The very title ‘archbishop’ indicates this, coming from the Greek αρχι, which means "first" or "chief", and επισκοπος, which means "over-seer" or "supervisor". The additional roles and responsibilities of the English archbishops can be seen in the descriptions of their roles below. However, it is important to note that the two archbishops lead only through persuasion, their word is not law. Archbishops dress much the same as any bishop but they may be addressed as The Most Reverend while a simple bishop is styled The Right Reverend.
The Archbishop of Canterbury The Archbishop of Canterbury is the Diocesan bishop of the Diocese of Canterbury. He is the most senior bishop in the Church of England and its principal leader. The present archbishop, enthroned at Canterbury Cathedral on 27 February 2003, is the Most Reverend and Right Honourable Justin Welby. He is the 105th in a line that goes back 1400 years to Saint Augustine of Canterbury, who founded the oldest See in England in the year 597. The current archbishop has his main residence at Lambeth Palace in London but he also has lodgings by Canterbury Cathedral, home of the Chair of St. Augustine. As Primate of All England, the archbishop is the chief religious figure in the Church of England alongside the queen as its "Supreme governor". He plays a central role in national ceremonies, such as coronations or state funerals, and because of his high public profile, his opinions are often sought by reporters. He is also recognised as ‘first among equals’ by Anglican archbishops worldwide. Since 1867 his has been the role of convening the ten-yearly international meeting of Anglican bishops, the Lambeth Conference, and he is expected to speak on behalf of Anglicans on issues between different churches and religions. As archbishop, he signs himself + Justin Cantuar. (Cantuar is Latin for Canterbury). He shares the right to use only a title in his signature with the Archbishop of York, other bishops, and Peers of the Realm. He is, without doubt, one of the highest-ranking men in England and the highest ranking non-royal in the United Kingdom's order of precedence.
The Archbishop of York The role of the Archbishop of York is varied. He is the second most high-ranking cleric in the Church of England but he is also Bishop of the Diocese of York and involved with confirmations in parish churches, the ordinations of deacons and priests. Since 5 October 2005, the holder of this post has been the Most Reverend John Sentamu. He signs himself + Sentamu Ebor: Sentamu is a Ugandan name, ‘Ebor’ comes from ‘Eboracum’’. As archbishop, he leads the fourteen dioceses in the northern province of the Church of England. Together with the Archbishop of Canterbury, he is a leading spokesman on behalf of the Church of England so he often attends special events as the leader of the northern provinces or represents the Church of England at international conferences. He has been outspoken on poverty, education and justice issues and has become known for his hands-on approach to ministry, often acting out in striking and dramatic ways important gospel messages.
Becoming a Christian
Archbishop Justin can recall the exact moment at Cambridge University when he became a Christian. Late one night, after an evening spent discussing the cross with a recently converted friend, he said: “I think I need to pray.”
“He looked a bit surprised,” said the Archbishop, “but we prayed, and I opened my life to Jesus.”
Archbishop Justin says his relationship with prayer continues to evolve. “I’m learning to pray more – when I wake in the night, when I wake in the morning, and to pray throughout the day.”
He says that he continues to deepen his relationship with contemplative and meditative prayer, and that he uses his morning runs as time to speak to God.
You can find out more about both English archbishops, recent press statements, engagements and important sermons at their websites: www.archbishopofcanterbury.org www.archbishopofyork.org