Talk:Archbishop of Canterbury

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Ennobled former archbishops

Tradition seems to dictate that upon stepping down as Primate, the former Archbishop is elevated to the House of Lords. There doesn't seem as clear a precedent for how this is reflected in the heading of the infobox on Wikipedia, however (see Randall Davidson and Cosmo Lang on the one hand, Rowan Williams and George Carey on the other.)

Thoughts? OGBC1992 (talk) 08:45, 27 October 2022 (UTC)[reply]

Article Is Outdated

Article needs to updated to reflect the recent GAFCON declarations. 71.173.18.185 (talk) 03:08, 23 April 2023 (UTC)[reply]

As spiritual leader of the Anglican Communion, the archbishop, although without legal authority outside England, is recognised by convention as primus inter pares ("first among equals") of all Anglican primates worldwide.

Only 20 out of 42 provinces consider the archbishop to be "first among equals". 2600:1700:B7B0:4D70:591A:DC79:B080:9E19 (talk) 18:07, 2 November 2023 (UTC)[reply]

Justin Welby is still Archbishop

He has announced his resignation but the date on which his term of office will end is TBC. See for example https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2024/nov/12/justin-welby-step-down-archbishop-canterbury JayZed (talk) 17:04, 12 November 2024 (UTC)[reply]

The BBC's reporting also suggests that Welby is still in office, e.g. 'It was not immediately clear when the archbishop would leave his post but the process of finding a replacement is likely to take at least six months.' A.D.Hope (talk) 09:26, 13 November 2024 (UTC)[reply]

Capitilization of Archbishop of Canterbury

In the first part of the article of the bolded text “archbishop of Canterbury” Is “archbishop” supposed to be capitalized? Baylorc (talk) 15:06, 13 November 2024 (UTC)[reply]

It is not. It's a job title which isn't capitalized when it's preceded with "the". —Eyer (he/him) If you reply, add {{reply to|Eyer}} to your message. 15:15, 13 November 2024 (UTC)[reply]

@Eyer: Thank you, this is very helpful. Baylorc (talk) 15:17, 13 November 2024 (UTC)[reply]

Acting archbishop

@Speakfor23, you're going to need to provide a source for Stephen Cottrell being the acting archbishop of Canterbury, rather than simply undertaking some of the functions of the role during the vacancy. The reporting I have seen, and which is used in the article, does not state that he is acting archbishop of Canterbury or that the official functions of the see have been delegated solely to him; the bishops of London and Dover will also undertake some duties. A.D.Hope (talk) 00:55, 7 January 2025 (UTC)[reply]

Both sources confirm he was appointed. Cottrell was appointed to temporarily lead the Diocese last November. The Independant source, which was written today, also specifically stated "Archbishop of York Stephen Cottrell taking charge temporarily."[1]Speakfor23 (talk) 01:00, 7 January 2025 (UTC)[reply]

The Independent states that

From Tuesday, most of the official functions normally held by the Archbishop of Canterbury will be delegated to Mr Cottrell. Some will go to the Bishop of London Dame Sarah Mullally, and the diocesan functions will be carried out by the Bishop of Dover Rose Hudson-Wilkin.

It would be overstating things to claim that Cottrell is the acting archbishop, and the current lead also omits the functions which will be undertaken by Mullally and Hudson-Wilkin.

My preference would be to simply describe the position as vacant in the lead. If the arrangements for the vacancy must be explained then all three bishops involved should be mentioned, but Cottrell should not be described as acting archbishop and the infobox should describe the position as vacant. A.D.Hope (talk) 01:07, 7 January 2025 (UTC)[reply]

There is no "acting archbishop of Canterbury" as @A.D.Hope points out. The functions of the archbishop have been divided among three people, none of whom are described in primary or reliable secondary sources as "acting archbishop of Canterbury." The position should be described as vacant. Dclemens1971 (talk) 02:52, 7 January 2025 (UTC)[reply]

I agree with @A.D.Hope and @Dclemens1971. This is explained fairly clearly in several media reports, but I find Church Times to be the clearest:

"Archbishop Welby has already signed an instrument of delegation, handing over his official functions mainly to the Archbishop of York, some to the Bishop of London, the Rt Revd Sarah Mullally, and his diocesan functions to the Bishop of Dover, the Rt Revd Rose Hudson-Wilkin, from Tuesday. Until the 106th Archbishop of Canterbury is in post, the provinces of the Anglican Communion will be without one of its four Instruments of Communion."

OJH (talk) 07:53, 7 January 2025 (UTC)[reply]

I've just made an edit which, among other things, rearranges the lead paragraph and expands it to mention the involvement of Mullally and Hudson-Wilkin in the vacancy. I hope this is acceptable to everyone. A.D.Hope (talk) 10:53, 7 January 2025 (UTC)[reply]