Anglican Communion
The Archbishop of Canterbury is the senior bishop of the worldwide Anglican Communion - a first among equals (“primus inter pares”) amongst fellow bishops.
The Anglican Communion is the third largest international denomination, after the Roman Catholic Church and the Orthodox Church. It has over 80 million members, spread across 38 Provinces in 164 countries. Each of these Provinces is autonomous, with its own system of governance and senior archbishop or bishop ("Primate"). The Communion is not held together by a formal constitution or international church law, but rather by a shared heritage and what are termed "bonds of affection", by formal "Instruments of Communion" and through the Archbishop of Canterbury acting as a unique focus of unity. This sense of common identity has been nourished over many years by direct encounter and companion relationships at many levels. The Archbishop of Canterbury plays a leading role in nurturing the interdependent life of the Communion by visiting Provinces, convening meetings, facilitating initiatives, contributing to theological reflection and exercising a pivotal role within the Instruments of Communion.
See also: The Archbishop in the Anglican Communion: An Historical Note
Recent items relating to Anglican Communion are shown below:
September 2004
Statement from Lambeth Palace on the 'Network' Stories
24 September 2004
The Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, has had a wide range of meetings and conversations with…
Dr Williams to Visit Egypt
9 September 2004
The Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, will make a brief visit to Cairo this weekend.
Address at the Scottish Episcopal Church Provincial Conference
3 September 2004
An address by the Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams.
July 2004
Solomon Islanders' Choice between Bitterness and Love
26 July 2004
The Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, on an eight-day visit to the Solomon Islands, has urged…
Archbishop Praises Call for Forgiveness from Island Premier
22 July 2004
The Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, has described as 'an act of great courage' a plea for…
Archbishop Announces New Anglican Communion Secretary General
20 July 2004
The Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, in his capacity as President of the Anglican Consultative…
Archbishop Begins Visit to Province of Melanesia
19 July 2004
The Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, has begun an eight-day visit to the Church of the Province…
Archbishop of Canterbury's Trip to Melanesia 19 July to July 27
2 July 2004
The Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, will pay his respects at the graves of the seven martyred…
June 2004
Response to Canadian General Synod
3 June 2004
The Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, has welcomed the decision by the Canadian General Synod…
May 2004
Church of Ireland General Synod
11 May 2004
An address by the Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, at the Church of Ireland General Synod…