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:
January 2004
Archbishop Completes Middle East Tour
31 January 2004
The Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, has completed a six-day tour of the diocese of Jerusalem…
Ecumenical Service at St George's Anglican Cathedral, Jerusalem
27 January 2004
A sermon given by the Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, at an ecumenical service at St George's…
Sermon at the Anglican Church of the Redeemer, Amman
26 January 2004
A sermon given by the Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, at the Anglican Church of the Redeemer,…
Archbishop to Visit Diocese of Jerusalem
21 January 2004
The Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams will be paying a pastoral visit to the diocese of Jerusalem…
October 2003
Primates' Meeting 2003 - Final Statement
16 October 2003
A Statement by the Primates of the Anglican Communion meeting in Lambeth Palace, London, on October 15th…
March 2003
Archbishop: pastoral letter to Anglican Primates
24 March 2003
The Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, has written to the most senior Bishops and Archbishops…
December 2002
New Director of Anglican Centre
9 December 2002
The formal announcement of the appointment of Bishop John Flack to serve in Rome.
Christmas Message for the Anglican Communion
6 December 2002
Dr Williams' first Christmas message to the Anglican Communion.
Archbishop Rowan Williams confirmed in office as Archbishop of Canterbury
2 December 2002
Dr Williams officially took office as Archbishop of Canterbury in a legal ceremony known as the Confirmation…
July 2002
Announcement of Dr Rowan Williams as the 104th Archbishop of Canterbury
23 July 2002
10 Downing Street, the office of the UK Prime Minister, made the formal announcement of the appointment…