Bishop of Norwich to help select new Archbishop 

The Bishop of Norwich, the Rt Rev Graham Usher, will help to select the next Archbishop of Canterbury and not take on the role himself, despite speculation that he might be a leading candidate.

Bishop Graham has been elected as a member of the Crown Nominations Commission (CNC) for the See of Canterbury, following an election by the House of Bishops and, at the same time, declaring: "I have felt no sense of inner calling to be Archbishop of Canterbury, yet what has remained constant is God’s continued faithful call to serve the people and parishes of the wonderful Diocese of Norwich."

As a Bishop from the Province of Canterbury, Bishop Graham will join the Archbishop of York, Most Rev Stephen Cottrell, as the second Church of England episcopal member of the Canterbury CNC.

The remaining membership will be announced in early April. Once the full membership of the CNC is known, the Commission will convene for its first meeting in May, followed by at least two further meetings – one in July and another in September.

Through these, the Commission will agree the ‘Role Profile’ and ‘Person Specification’ for the next Archbishop of Canterbury, and discern the longlist, to shortlist and to interview candidates.

It is not possible to apply for the role of Archbishop of Canterbury. Instead, individuals will be invited into a careful and prayerful process of discernment.

Bishop Graham said: “It is a weighty privilege to have been elected on to the Canterbury Crown Nominations Commission. I will need to listen very carefully to the hopes and joys, challenges and fears, of the diocese of Canterbury, the wider Church of England, to the results of the current consultation, to ecumenical companions, to people across the Anglican Communion, and to the candidates themselves. I really want to hear from the young, the marginalised, the excluded, the silenced, the quieter voices, and especially local parishioners. Then, I pray, God’s still, small voice will be heard.

"Whoever becomes the next Archbishop of Canterbury will need to know, more than anything, that she or he can only undertake this role with the grace and comfort of Almighty God. I am praying that God calls a humble follower of Jesus who draws others to the abundant joy of Gospel life, a pastor and shepherd, and a gentle prophet for our time.

"Despite speculation in recent months, I have felt no sense of inner calling to be Archbishop of Canterbury, yet what has remained constant is God’s continued faithful call to serve the people and parishes of the wonderful Diocese of Norwich, as well as the national and international environmental roles I have, all of which bring me much joy,” said Bishop Graham. 

Article extracts from Diocese of Norwich.