In a potential historic move for the Anglican Communion, sources within the Church of England indicate that the next Archbishop of Canterbury could be a woman, marking the first time in the church’s history that a female bishop would assume the role. This speculation emerges just a year after the resignation of Justin Welby amid revelations of a cover-up involving severe abuse cases.
The appointment process, overseen by the Crown Nominations Commission, is nearing completion, with an announcement expected from Downing Street in the coming week. Insiders have pointed to the Rt. Rev. Rachel Treweek, Bishop of Gloucester, as a leading candidate. Notably, Bishop Treweek was absent from a major conference she was scheduled to host this week, offering no public explanation. She has also ceased activity on social media platform X and withdrawn her diocese’s presence there.
Bishop Treweek, consecrated in 2015 as the first female diocesan bishop in the Church of England, has been vocal on several issues. She has criticized the conflict in Gaza, expressing deep concern over the “obliteration of human life and disregard of the dignity of every human being.” Additionally, she advocates for prison reform, combating violence against women, and reforming church governance structures.
However, the prospect of a female Archbishop has sparked significant debate within the church. A member of the General Synod, the Church of England’s governing body, expressed astonishment at the possibility, noting the challenges in unifying a divided communion. Conservative Anglicans, particularly those opposed to women’s ordination, may resist such a leadership change.
In response to inquiries, a Church of England spokesperson stated: “As we’ve consistently said, the Canterbury Crown Nominations Commission is a confidential process. This is a Crown appointment and so an announcement would come from Downing Street, and we wouldn’t comment or respond to any speculation.”
Conservative voices have voiced strong reservations. The Rev. Dr. Ian Paul, a General Synod member, emphasized the need for the next Archbishop to rebuild trust, mend relationships across the global Anglican Communion, and move beyond divisive issues like sexuality. “I would be very surprised if Rachel Treweek is appointed, since it is not clear that she is in a strong position to offer any of these,” he said. “As a woman, her appointment would not be welcome in many parts of the Communion, and that will be an obstacle to repairing relationships. She would not offer the unifying leadership that we desperately need right now.”
On the other hand, survivors’ advocate Andrew Graystone suggested that abuse victims might welcome Bishop Treweek’s appointment. “If Bishop Rachel were to be appointed that would be a historic day for the Church of England and hopeful day for survivors of church abuse,” he noted. “She is a courageous person who cares deeply, and wants the church to do better.”
Downing Street has declined to comment on the matter.
Other reported contenders include the Rt. Rev. Guli Francis-Dehqani, Bishop of Chelmsford, and the Rt. Rev. Michael Beasley, Bishop of Bath and Wells.
The new Archbishop will inherit a church grappling with the aftermath of the John Smyth abuse scandal, which involved barbaric acts and an institutional cover-up that led to Welby’s unprecedented resignation. Broader divisions over women’s ordination and same-sex marriage continue to fracture the Anglican Communion.
Bishop Treweek herself has previously remarked that anyone aspiring to the role of Archbishop of Canterbury “needs their head examined,” underscoring the immense challenges ahead.
This development, if confirmed, could reshape the leadership dynamics of the Church of England and its global ties. Anglican Ink will continue to monitor the situation as the announcement approaches.