The process of the appointment of the next Archbishop of Canterbury includes the presence of the Secretary General of the Anglican Consultative Council on the Crown Appointments Commission. In this capacity the Anglican Communion’s Secretary General has voice but no vote in the deliberations.

The Primates (38 chief archbishops or presiding bishops of the Communion) and the members of the Anglican Consultative Council (a representative global group of clergy and laity) will receive a letter from the Secretary General in the next few days inviting comments on the future needs of the Anglican Communion viz a viz the role of the Archbishop of Canterbury. The letter also welcomes views on the type of person and the qualities needed for this important task. It also offers an opportunity for suggesting names of possible candidates.

NOTES ON THE SECRETARY GENERAL

The Revd Canon John L. Peterson previously served as Dean of St George’s College, Jerusalem, and is a priest and appointed missionary of the Episcopal Church USA. He holds 6 honorary canonries around the Communion and is assisting priest at St Johns Wood Parish, Diocese of London.

THE STRUCTURE

The Anglican Communion Office in London is responsible for enabling the annual Primates Meeting, the Anglican Consultative Council (every 2/3 years) and the Lambeth Conference (every 10 years). The Archbishop of Canterbury is chairman of the Primates, President of the ACC, and convenes the Lambeth Conference. The Secretary General serves as secretary of these three gatherings.

A COMMENT

Our work continues as usual with the Archbishop of Canterbury fulfilling his normal important role. The Primates Meeting will be in April 2002 and the ACC in September 2002.