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:
February 2010
The Archbishop's Presidential Address, General Synod February 2010
9 February 2010
In a wide-ranging address to the General Synod in London, the Archbishop of Canterbury discusses the…
Our vital contribution in Zimbabwe - Guardian article
8 February 2010
The Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, and The Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu, wrote a…
Archbishop's statement on Bishop Mouneer's resignation from SCAC
1 February 2010
The Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, today expressed his regret at the decision of the Most…
January 2010
Visit to New York
31 January 2010
The Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, was a keynote participant at Trinity Institute's 40th…
Archbishop of Canterbury meets UN Secretary General
27 January 2010
The Archbishop of Canterbury Dr Rowan Williams spent 45 minutes with the UN Secretary General Ban Ki…
Archbishops' urgent plea for Sudan
11 January 2010
The Archbishop of Canterbury, together with the Archbishop of Sudan, the Most Revd Daniel Deng visiting…
December 2009
Worshippers barred from churches on Christmas Day
27 December 2009
The Archbishops of Canterbury and York have condemned the recent resurgence of police intimidation of…
A message from the Archbishop of Canterbury on the Anglican Communion Covenant
17 December 2009
As the final version of the Anglican Communion Covenant is sent to the member Churches of the Anglican…
Archbishop of Canterbury's Statement on Los Angeles Episcopal Elections
6 December 2009
Following the election of Mary Glasspool as suffragan bishop elect.
November 2009
Anglican - Roman Catholic Relations: A statement from the Informal Talks
26 November 2009
Following the meeting between Pope Benedict XVI and the Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams,…