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John Sentamu snubbed – may not become next Archbishop of Canterbury
The Archbishop of York., Dr. John Sentamu. PHOTO/Antony Njuguna/Reuters
Ugandan-born John Sentamu, the charismatic Archbishop of York, appears to have been snubbed in the hunt for a successor to Rowan Williams, amid claims that church leaders are in “deadlock” and could take months to nominate a new Archbishop of Canterbury.
The Crown Nominations Commission was expected to name the successor to Rowan Williams next week but is yet to choose a candidate after having deliberated for three days in secret, according to sources.
The committee, which ended discusions on Friday, may take several months to name the new Archbishop of Canterbury ahead of Williams’ retirement in December, Church of England officials told reporters.
The Church said in a statement on Friday that “an announcement is expected during the fall, and that remains the case”.
(More: John Sentamu tipped to become next archbishop of Canterbury: Facing opposition)
Prime Minister David Cameron must sign off on the new appointment, which also must be officially approved by Queen Elizabeth II, who is the Supreme Governor of the Church of England as well as the British head of state.
The 16-member committee, which met in an undisclosed location, includes both senior clerics and lay members and is chaired by Richard Luce who is a former government minister.
Contenders for the post include veteran churchmen such as Archbishop of York John Sentamu, 63, who would be the first black Archbishop of Canterbury, Bishop of London Richard Chartres, 65, and Bishop of Norwich Graham James, 61.
