16 March 2012
Archbishop Rowan Williams has today announced his acceptance of
the position of Master of Magdalene College, Cambridge with effect
from January 2013. He will therefore be stepping down from the
office of Archbishop of Canterbury at the end of December 2012. Dr
Williams' intentions have been conveyed to The Queen, who is
Supreme Governor of the Church of England and who formally appoints
the Archbishop of Canterbury.
Dr Williams was appointed the one hundred and fourth Archbishop
of Canterbury in 2002. He said today:
"It has been an immense privilege to serve as Archbishop of
Canterbury over the past decade, and moving on has not been an easy
decision. During the time remaining there is much to do, and I ask
your prayers and support in this period and beyond. I am abidingly
grateful to all those friends and colleagues who have so generously
supported Jane and myself in these years, and all the many diverse
parishes and communities in the Church of England and the wider
Anglican Communion that have brought vision, hope and excitement to
my own ministry. I look forward, with that same support and
inspiration, to continuing to serve the Church's mission and
witness as best I can in the years ahead."
Dr Williams will continue to carry out all the duties and
responsibilities of the Archbishop of Canterbury, both for the
Church of England and the Anglican Communion, until the end of the
year.
The Crown Nominations Commission will consider in due course the
selection of a successor.
More information
Outline of Procedures for Appointment for an Archbishop of
Canterbury
Role of Archbishop of Canterbury
Questions and answers
Website of the Archbishop of Canterbury