In Search of A Leader

The Anglican Church is in need of a leader. Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr. Rowan Williams, is retiring from the position in December, to become Master of Magdalene College at Cambridge University.

The sixteen-member Crown Nominations Committee (CNC) which has the task of handing to the Prime Minister the name of a nominee and an alternate to fill the position of leader of 80 million Anglicans worldwide, is deadlocked. After a three day meeting at the end of  September, the committee retired with no candidate and no schedule for future meetings announced. While there is no time limit set for the announcement of the new Archbishop, it is certainly hoped that the new Archbishop will be named before Williams leaves the post.

This is a communion in need of healing. Williams’ tenure has been marked by battles over ordination of homosexual clergy, same-sex unions and the elevation of women as bishops. His statements on Sharia Law have astounded many. Anglicans worldwide are divided. Theologians and politicians alike are split as to their opinion of the 10-year term of Williams.

The outgoing Archbishop has said that his successor should have the “constitution of an ox and the skin of a rhinoceros.” That is certainly true. The church is a rough and tumble environment, especially for those who would lead.  The Anglican Church is large, diverse, and divided. No leader will please all parties. We can hope and pray for a leader who will please God.

All Christians should be in prayer for this church. You don’t need to be an Anglican or an Episcopalian to understand the enormous impact a strong, Christian leader could have on communities around the world.

May God bless the CNC and the man chosen to lead the Anglican community.