The full membership of the review body commissioned by the Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr George Carey, to examine the future development of the See of Canterbury is announced today.
The eight-strong team will be led by Lord Hurd of Westwell, the former Foreign Secretary Douglas Hurd, who accepted the Archbishop's invitation to chair the Review last month.
Lord Hurd will be assisted by:
Chief Emeka Anyaoku - former Secretary-General of the Commonwealth
Lord Fellowes of Shotesham - formerly Private Secretary to The Queen
Mr Ewan Harper - Chief Executive of the Church Schools Company
Mr David Lammy - a lawyer and member of the Archbishops' Council
Lady (Jean) Mayhew - a Reader in the Canterbury Diocese
Dr Eunice Okorocha - President of Women's Ministries in the Diocese of Owerri, Nigeria
Dr Keith Rayner - former Anglican Archbishop of Melbourne.
The terms of reference of the Review are:
"To examine the present responsibilities of the See of Canterbury; to reflect upon the continuing growth and evolution of the office and role of Archbishop; to consider possible future developments; to make recommendations in the light of these considerations concerning the office and its resources, in order to ensure that it may continue to be discharged effectively."
Commenting on the appointment of the full review team, Dr Carey said:
"I am delighted that this distinguished panel has accepted my invitation to undertake this important task under the Chairmanship of Lord Hurd. I look forward to receiving their findings and recommendations in due course."
Lord Hurd said:
"I am greatly encouraged by the range and depth of knowledge, skill and expertise that has been assembled. It will stand us in good stead for the challenge ahead. My colleagues and I now look forward to getting down to work."
The Review comes at a time of steady expansion in the range of activities and commitments expected of the occupant of the See of Canterbury.
The present responsibilities of the Archbishop of Canterbury fall into a number of important categories. He is Diocesan Bishop of the Canterbury Diocese, Metropolitan of the Province of Canterbury, Primate of All England, the most senior citizen after members of the Royal Family, an ex officio member of the House of Lords, and President of the world-wide Anglican Communion.
In addition, he has important and growing commitments in the fields of ecumenical and inter-faith relations, as well as on a range of global issues.
Reviews of the responsibilities of Archbishop of Canterbury are not new. Studies were also carried out under Archbishop Coggan and Archbishop Davidson.
Lord Hurd and his team are expected to present their report to the Archbishop of Canterbury during the summer of 2001.