A procedure is set in motion.

After informing the Queen of his intentions to retire, the Archbishop of Canterbury announces his decision and sets a date for his retirement. This is to take effect on 31 October 2002.

In just a few weeks time the Prime Minister will appoint a Chair of the Crown Appointments Commission, the body that oversees the selection of a new Archbishop. The process outlined here for the selection of the Archbishop or any Bishop is unique to the Church of England. The Commission is to consist of 13 voting members and three non-voting members to include the Secretary General of the Anglican Consultative Council, the Revd Canon John Peterson, who has voice but no "vote".

After extensive consultation the Commission will reconvene over two and a half days with the objective of choosing two names to send to the Prime Minister for consideration. Once the PM has made his decision he will commend one name to the Queen and, once content, an official announcement will be made.

The system does allow for the PM to reject both persons suggested and ask for more names.

The English media and many interest groups have already filled column inches with names of bishops they see as candidates. In the system as is stands, all is done in secrecy. A notion of candidates is misleading.

Article from: ACNS