John Sentamu snubbed – may not become next Archbishop of Canterbury

The commission is thought to be considering younger bishops including Bishop of Coventry Christopher Cocksworth, 53, and Bishop of Durham Justin Welby, 56.

Williams, 61, was appointed the 104th Archbishop of Canterbury in 2002, replacing George Carey.

He will be taking up a position as master of Magdalene College at the prestigious Cambridge University in January 2013.

His tenure was marked by his difficulties in maintaining unity amid disagreements over the consecration of female bishops in Britain, and of openly gay bishops in the United States.

The rows have threatened to cause a permanent rift with conservative Anglican bishops in Africa in particular.

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