The declared runners are individuals selected for a shortlist. The process of selection is opaque. Those on the shortlist are interviewed by a committee and a choice is made. The person selected must receive at least a two-thirds majority. Herein lies a potential problem. Currently the committee charged with selecting the next Bishop of Ely has failed to reach a decision as it is hopelessly divided. Could this be repeated in the selection of the next Archbishop?
The Church of England currently is riven with disunity over the Living in Love and Faith (LLF) process. Conservative Evangelicals are pressing for a new province within the Church and threatening to depart if it is not forthcoming. How will this affect the selection process both in terms of shortlisting and choice of the committee's preferred candidate?
Will all the shortlisted candidates be current diocesan bishops? Will any suffragen, area or flying bishops, or bishops outside the CofE make the list?
Will consideration be given to individuals outside the broader episcopacy such as university theologians, deans, canons, parish priests etc?
Will ethnicity or sex be a significant factor in the selection process? Should the Church seek to move away from a managerialism emphasis by seeking an individual with extensive pastoral experience particularly in areas of deprivation?
So many imponderables. Speculation will be rife, suggestions for 'suitable' candidates promoted and negative publicity for 'unsuitable' individuals. Whoever does become the next Archbishop will face seemingly intractable issues to deal with. It could be a poisoned chalice and it may be the daunting nature of the tasks ahead will deter some, if invited, from engaging in the selection circus.
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