As part of the nomination process for the next Archbishop of Canterbury, the Church of England has launched a public consultation inviting input from around the Anglican Communion. The consultation runs from February 7 to March 28.

The consultation is an opportunity to gather the views of a wide range of people from across the Anglican Communion on the gifts, qualities and skills needed in the 106th Archbishop of Canterbury. Those who take part will also be able to submit names for the Crown Nominations Commission (CNC) to consider.

The CNC will use the themes that emerge through this process to inform the Commission on the needs of the mission of the Church of England and the wider Anglican Communion.

The role of the CNC is to discern whom God may be calling to the ministry. The CNC is a 20-member body, including 17 voting members and up to 3 nonvoting members. 5 of the voting members are representatives from the Anglican Communion.

Once the full membership of the CNC is known in March, the Commission will convene for its first meeting in May, followed by two further meetings – one in July and one in September. Through these, the Commission will agree the ‘Role Profile’ and ‘Person Specification’ for the next Archbishop of Canterbury, and discern the longlist, to shortlist and to interview candidates.

It is not possible to apply for the role of Archbishop of Canterbury. Instead, individuals will be invited into a careful and prayerful process of discernment.

You can find more information and take part in the Public Consultation online.