Thinking Anglicans

Delegation of Archbishop of Canterbury’s official functions

The statement below was issued today.

Statement from Lambeth Palace
20/11/2024

Following the announcement last week of his resignation as the Archbishop of Canterbury, Archbishop Justin intends to complete his official duties by the upcoming Feast of Epiphany (6th January). Archbishop Justin intends very little public-facing activity between now and Epiphany, but plans to honour a small number of remaining commitments. At Epiphany, the Archbishop of Canterbury’s official functions will be delegated to the Archbishop of York – more details will be provided on this in due course. The date on which Archbishop Justin formally ceases to hold office will be set in agreement with the Privy Council.

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Gill
Gill
20 days ago

Might ABY resign too?

Angusian
Angusian
Reply to  Gill
20 days ago

hopefully, and Lincoln, too!

Alastair (living in Scotland)
Alastair (living in Scotland)
Reply to  Angusian
20 days ago

I thought +L acted as soon as he knew, with Dio safeguarding person liasing with police taking their advice, and also comm with S Africa Bish and follow ups? Have I missed something?

Tony Harris
Tony Harris
20 days ago

Why must he wait until January 6th next year?
He should resign now.

Tim Chesterton
Reply to  Tony Harris
20 days ago

They live in tied accommodation. I suspect they need to find a place to live.

Overthinking former anglican
Overthinking former anglican
Reply to  Tim Chesterton
20 days ago

We know that JW has a place in France, and in any case he is well off having been left a substantial legacy by his mother. In any case, there’s no reason why he can’t be allowed a bit of time to move out after leaving his job…it’s not as if there is a successor banging on the door to get in. As for the discussion about pensions, with his means a few pounds one way or the other will be hardly material.

Simon Bravery
Simon Bravery
Reply to  Overthinking former anglican
20 days ago

If he is not an EU citizen the amount of time he could spend in France would be limited.

Alastair (living in Scotland)
Alastair (living in Scotland)
Reply to  Overthinking former anglican
20 days ago

You may be unaware that following Brexit any stays in France are now limited.

Wenlock
Wenlock
Reply to  Tim Chesterton
19 days ago

That doesn’t mean he can’t cease anything official in the day he resigns. Nobody is suggesting immediate eviction from either of his tied properties.

Philip Johanson
Philip Johanson
Reply to  Tony Harris
16 days ago

In his resignation statement Justin Welby said: “It is very clear that I must take personal and institutional responsibility for the long and retraumatising period between 2013 and 2024.” If he believed that then why did he say immediately after the Makin report was published that he had consulted with senior colleagues and had decided that he was not going to resign. Is it not nearer to the truth that he was forced to resign the following week on the back of public and media comment and calls for him to stand down.   Whilst initially all the diocesan bishops remained silent apart… Read more »

Angusian
Angusian
20 days ago

out of the pan – into the fire?

God 'elp us all
God 'elp us all
Reply to  Angusian
20 days ago

I seem to recall a reference in another, related, thread to the Augean stables; perhaps their flushing out may put out the fire, to mix metaphors. Regarding the reference by Swithun and others to Jan 6th- if on that day (or the 5th if the Epiphany is celebrated on that day) alongside the OT lectionary reading for the Principal service that day (Isaiah 60: 1-6) a reading of the previous chapter-Ch 59) of Isaiah might be considered, perhaps a seeing of the light might be considered an appropriate celebration. Perhaps that might be as relevant as, (or more than?) birthday… Read more »

Swithun
Swithun
20 days ago

January 6th is the Epiphany. It’s also Justin Welby’s birthday. Could this be an unfortunate example of purporting to govern for and according to the needs and requirements of others, but ultimately managing to make it all about oneself.

Roger Hill
Roger Hill
Reply to  Swithun
20 days ago

Christmas is usually the time when the Church of England – through the Archbishop in his Cathedral and a TV New Year message – gets a raised, often positive, profile. Who will pick the baton up this year? We need to make positive connections with our disillusioned society. Here is an opportunity!

Alwyn Hall
Alwyn Hall
Reply to  Swithun
20 days ago

Tim Dakin stepped back from being Bishop of Winchester in May 2021 but did not formally retire until 6th February 2022 – his 64th birthday. This was understood to be based around getting a deal on his pension – more informed minds than mine will probably give greater detail. I imagine that JW has a similar arrangement.

Clifford Jones
Clifford Jones
Reply to  Swithun
20 days ago

It would appear that Justin was born at a time when the Archbishopric of York was vacant. Cyril Foster Garbett died on 31st December 1955,  and Michael Ramsey was enthroned at York on 25th April 1956.  

T Pott
T Pott
Reply to  Swithun
20 days ago

Would age of retirement affect his pension?

Openmind
Openmind
Reply to  T Pott
20 days ago

Not for anyone over 68 years. But not having served 41.5 years reduces your pension, so every further day ABC is in office increases his pension as he was ordained in I think 1992. Whether this is relevant to JWs means in retirement is a matter for him, but this is how the numbers work.

Fr Dean
Fr Dean
Reply to  Openmind
19 days ago

Additional time after the 68th birthday does not count towards the 41.5 years.

Openmind
Openmind
Reply to  Fr Dean
16 days ago

I thought it was at 70 that pensionable service ceased?

Just sayin
Just sayin
20 days ago

This is not a good look for him or the Church. If you’re going, go. Is he proposing to be at Canterbury on Christmas Day ? This delay feels like the decision of an ignorant, arrogant individual devoid of either common sense or humility.

David Runcorn
David Runcorn
20 days ago

A national and global ministry with a diary significantly filled up to two years ahead – I do not think this is drawn out at all. He has not been sacked. He has shown collective and personal responsibility. He has shown dignity. I think this is all very mean here.

David Keen
David Keen
Reply to  David Runcorn
20 days ago

I agree. And just to row completely against the tide, wouldn’t it have been better for Welby to stay in post and to use the authority of his office to remove from their posts those who are most culpable? Who is going to do that now, or are we now relying on media/twittersphere swarms to identify and hunt them down one by one?

Simon Bravery
Simon Bravery
Reply to  David Keen
20 days ago

How much authority does the Archbishop of Canterbury have to remove people from office? I suspect very little.

State The Obvious
State The Obvious
Reply to  David Runcorn
20 days ago

Have you actually read the Makin report? He failed on safeguarding. He should at least be under a CDM pending disciplinary action, including withdrawal of PTO and loss of pension.

Simon Bravery
Simon Bravery
Reply to  State The Obvious
20 days ago

I have read the parts of the Makin Report relating to Justin Welby. Mr Makin starts from the assumption that he should have been micromanaging the actions in another diocese and criticise him for failing to do so.

Any future Archbishop of Canterbury will need to do something similar if she or her hopes to survive.

Michael M
Michael M
Reply to  Simon Bravery
19 days ago

Like he writes to the bishop of Newcastle?

David Runcorn
David Runcorn
Reply to  State The Obvious
20 days ago

I have read it. And I take its findings very seriously. But when ++Justin became Archbishop the safeguarding office at the centre of the CofE was staffed by one person – half time. There are now 40. Each diocese has a dedicated team. This is all on his watch. I have in the last five weeks undergone two rigorous id and safeguarding checks – one a routine renewal in my present diocese and the second because I am moving to a new diocese in the New Year. I can exercise no ministry unless I am cleared and regularly re-registered under… Read more »

FrDavid H
FrDavid H
Reply to  David Runcorn
20 days ago

Are you saying that PJ Smyth, who was savagely beaten by his father, lacks proportionality? Along with other victims, he is pleased Mr Welby has resigned. You seem more concerned about your PTO by ignoring what the victims are demanding.

David Runcorn
David Runcorn
Reply to  FrDavid H
19 days ago

I was, of course, responding very specifically to the comments of State the Obvious. But are you really suggesting the Archbishop is also personally responsible for Smyth’s violence in the family home?

FrDavid H
FrDavid H
Reply to  David Runcorn
19 days ago

Absolutely not. But neither are the victims calling for his resignation.

Last edited 19 days ago by FrDavid H
David Runcorn
David Runcorn
Reply to  FrDavid H
19 days ago

Then I have no idea what point you were making. My personal point about seeking PTO is to show how rigorous the system actually is now.

FrDavid H
FrDavid H
Reply to  David Runcorn
19 days ago

You seemed to imply that because Justin had set up a large safeguarding scheme his resignation is disproportionate.

David Runcorn
David Runcorn
Reply to  FrDavid H
18 days ago

I think Jane Charman’s discerning comment below on what is happening summarises this well – and makes clear the need for what I have called ‘proportionality’. I commend it to you.

Kate Keates
Kate Keates
Reply to  David Runcorn
19 days ago

David, I will concede your points but still believe the delay is problematic because of the lack of clarity. We now recognise that not knowing who is responsible for something can be a safeguarding risk and I fear we are now in that position with the Archbishop of Canterbury. Should people raise issues with him during this period or not? Will he still chair meetings of the House of Bishops or the Archbishops Council? Is he still the point of contact for CDMs? I don’t doubt that a delay is possible. It might even be appropriate. But if it is… Read more »

Last edited 19 days ago by Kate Keates
Geoff M.
Geoff M.
Reply to  Kate Keates
19 days ago

I can only assume that “delegating official functions” means “delegating official functions”. From no later than Epiphany, Ebor will be the sole working archbishop.

Jane Charman
Jane Charman
Reply to  David Runcorn
19 days ago

I agree, David. The Church of England has signally failed in one of its key responsibilities. ++Justin as Archbishop of Canterbury has taken personal responsibility for that for which I respect him. I’ve found much of the reaction on social media, in the secular press and on this blog, depressing. The problem seems to be that the actual abuser is no longer available as a recipient of our outrage. Nor are most of those who surrounded him and might be said to have protected him. Instead we’ve turned our attention to a third circle, those who acquired information later on… Read more »

Alastair (living in Scotland)
Alastair (living in Scotland)
Reply to  Jane Charman
19 days ago

JC A thoughtful contribution, about turning the attack onto a “third circle”, which I had not read elsewhere. Appreciated.

Tim Chesterton
Reply to  Jane Charman
19 days ago

I can’t remember which writer once made the point that behind the Nuremberg Trials was the collective howl of frustration on the part of the Allies that the main culprit, Hitler, was no longer available for them to punish.

David Runcorn
David Runcorn
Reply to  Jane Charman
19 days ago

Thank you for this perceptive comment. I still think the psychological assessment in Appendix 4 in Makin is a very important resource and your reflection here suggests the church today needs something similar to manage its pain and anger. Meanwhile, had the Archbishop stopped immediately as some here demand and accuse him of arrogance for not doing so, he would not have spent five days of this past week honouring a long standing commitment to visit the Holy land and stand in solidarity with Palestinian Christians there.

Janet Fife
Janet Fife
Reply to  David Runcorn
18 days ago

Under Welby’s watch the safeguarding systems have improved. But, the response to complainants is as poor as ever; Welby admits that he personally took 4 years to meet the Smyth survivors after promising to do so. Gilo, and his lawyer Richard Scorer, have been waiting over a year for a reply from Welby. Again and again Welby has made it clear by his actions and inactions that complainants in church abuse cases come very low on his priorities list. And the recommendations of many reports, including IICSA, have not been implemented. I call that a list of failures. I do… Read more »

Chris Pettet
Chris Pettet
Reply to  David Runcorn
18 days ago

Thank you again David. I wished I’d read your wise words before my cross and inadequate words just now to ‘State the Obvious’
PS In case my name seems vaguely familiar I was on community at L.A. London when you (and Alan Smith) were Chaplains in Devon, and I remember sharing a car journey to London with you both in November 1986 after Council Weekend!)

David Runcorn
David Runcorn
Reply to  Chris Pettet
17 days ago

Greetings Chris!

Openmind
Openmind
Reply to  State The Obvious
20 days ago

Would that apply in your mind to any and every failure re S/G? Any falling short of S/G becoming a de facto sin against the Holy Spirit?

Alastair (living in Scotland)
Alastair (living in Scotland)
Reply to  State The Obvious
20 days ago

S T O. I am glad you were never my line manager! JW has admitted his failings and resigned. Not sure what your proposed action would achieve.

Wenlock
Wenlock
Reply to  Alastair (living in Scotland)
19 days ago

Resign but still in office. He should simply not be doing anything associated with the office and work of an Archbishop of Canterbury.

Chris Pettet
Chris Pettet
Reply to  State The Obvious
18 days ago

Wonderful, what a lovely charitable comment, exactly confirming my post just now. Yes, it’s serious, but you State the Obvious, with the clearly arrogant title, have obviously never failed in anything in your life have you?

Richenda
Richenda
Reply to  David Runcorn
20 days ago

I agree with you David.

Lister Tonge
Lister Tonge
Reply to  David Runcorn
18 days ago

I wonder how long a honeymoon period the next Archbishop of Canterbury might enjoy. On these pages, perhaps none at all.

When I had installed the present, Bishop of Monmouth in her cathedra, the ceremony then moved on to her being greeted by ecumenical and interfaith guests. The first of them was seated immediately in front of me and, over the sound of the choir’s anthem, I heard him say to her, “What you now wear on your head is a crown of thorns.”

Jonathan Jamal
Jonathan Jamal
Reply to  Lister Tonge
18 days ago

It is interesting Father Lister that you mention is for a Past Cardinal Archbishop of St Andrews and Edinburgh, the late Cardinal Gordon Gray had embroided on one his Mitres the Crown of Thorns, which was not far off the mark! Jonathan

Clifford Jones
Clifford Jones
Reply to  Jonathan Jamal
17 days ago

Donald Coggan in his 1975 Canterbury enthronement sermon said that a secretary had typed the word as ‘enthornment’. He said that she might have ‘written more wisely than she knew’.

Lister Tonge
Lister Tonge
Reply to  Clifford Jones
16 days ago

Thank you for this. I had never heard it. I was present at that enthronement and have a great respect for Donald Coggan.

Clifford Jones
Clifford Jones
Reply to  Lister Tonge
16 days ago

Thank you, Lister. I am aware of your association with CR. I watched the Coggan enthronement live on TV at CR’s Hostel in Leeds, which closed the following year. I am not aware of any particular association of Coggan with CR beyond that he preached at Commemoration Day one year.

Chris Pettet
Chris Pettet
Reply to  David Runcorn
18 days ago

I completely agree David. There’s been, I think, a great deal of unkind comments about ++Justin over the past weeks, sometimes from those with little experience or understanding of the pressures of parish life , let alone the episcopacy. My particular personal regret is not getting up early enough a few Saturdays ago to attend HC at the cathedral when the Archbishop visited Winchester Diocese. I think that overall he has had a good and positive influence on the Church of England and it’s been all too easy to criticise him in the pretty impossible job he has.

Michael H
Michael H
Reply to  Chris Pettet
15 days ago

Welby has had a good and positive influence on the Church of England? I gently suggest you speak to victims of clergy abuse or to those (like me) who have become non churchgoers because of Welby. He’s made many terrible decisions but is always reluctant to apologise. He’s either arrogant or badly advised or both.

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