The Right Reverend Anthony Ball, Canon Steward and Archdeacon of Westminster and Bishop of the Diocese of North Africa in the Province of Alexandria, has been appointed Director of the Anglican Centre in Rome and the Archbishop of Canterbury’s Representative to the Holy See.
The Anglican Centre in Rome is the permanent Anglican Communion presence in Rome. It embodies the Anglican Communion’s commitment to the full visible unity of the Church, with a particular focus on building trusted relationships with the Roman Catholic Church and advancing shared ecumenical priorities. As Director, Bishop Anthony will lead the centre, playing a key role in the interface between the Anglican Communion and the Roman Catholic Church.
Bishop Anthony will also play a major role as a public face of Anglican ecumenical commitment, liaising with the Archbishop of Canterbury and the Unity, Faith and Order team at the Anglican Communion Office.
The Dean of Westminster, the Very Reverend Dr David Hoyle, said:
‘Bishop Anthony, our Canon Steward and Archdeacon, brings a quite exceptional set of skills and experiences to the distinguished and important task ahead. He has a deep commitment to Christian Unity and a worked experience of engaging selflessly in the conversation that strengthens the bonds of affection and understanding between churches. In the Abbey, we know him to be a man who thinks deeply about the principles and the practice of life in communion. We pray for God’s blessing on all that lies ahead.’
The Most Reverend Justin Welby, Archbishop of Canterbury, said:
‘Throughout his ministry to date, Bishop Anthony Ball has served God’s church in several contexts. This has imbued him with a deep commitment to the unity of the church and the value of ecumenism. I know that he will play a vital role in growing the Anglican Communion’s relationship with the Holy See, as together we celebrate our warm friendship and collaboration in mission.’
Commenting on his appointment, the Right Reverend Anthony Ball said:
‘It is an extraordinary privilege to be offered this opportunity to serve the Anglican Communion, the Archbishop of Canterbury and the cause of Christian unity. As a long-time supporter of the Anglican Centre in Rome I am hugely excited at the prospect of contributing to its leadership and building on the work of Archbishop Ian Ernest and his predecessors. I look forward to developing further the connections and collaboration with institutions, organisations and all those, within our Communion and beyond, committed to education, pilgrimage, encounter and deepening mutual understanding.
‘Many of these themes have featured extensively in the eight wonderful years and various roles which I have had at Westminster Abbey, alongside the service to the wider Church that Canons are encouraged to offer. I am deeply grateful for the bedrock of the daily worship here which has sustained a ministry that has given me a rich bank of incomparable memories – from services like the Coronation, a State Funeral or one celebrating the contribution of Christians in the Middle East, through events such as Shakespeare in the Abbey or rain-drenched renditions in Dean’s Yard to the quieter pastoral encounters with visitors, pilgrims and all those who make up the fantastic Abbey community.’
Canon Ball will take up his appointment in 2025.
