What happens now the archbishop of Canterbury has resigned?
GuardianNOV 2024
UK: Female Bishops Shortlisted for Archbishop of Canterbury
Above: Lambeth Palace, the official residence of the Archbishop of Canterbury, on Nov.12, 2024. Image copyright: Dan Kitwood/Getty Images
The Spin
Conservative narrative
Justin Welby's frequent interventions into politics and current affairs would be a mistake best avoided by the next archbishop of Canterbury. Instead of venturing into subjects they are not qualified to comment on, the next leader of the Church of England should focus on the faith and fostering an Anglican revival in the country.
Progressive narrative
Given the emergence of an aggressive far-right claiming Christianity and the cross as its own, the Church of England must appoint a figure who will oppose the rising tide of Christian nationalism in the U.K. This movement has nothing to do with Christian teachings, requiring the next archbishop to be capable of defending the faith’s most fundamental values.