Rev. Richard Coles on new Archbishop of Canterbury: 'The job takes its holder apart' | The Daily T

Key Concepts

• Sarah Mlei: The newly confirmed 106th Archbishop of Canterbury, the first woman to hold the position.
• Safeguarding: Failures within the Church of England, encompassing both the protection of abuse victims and those falsely accused.
• Anglican Communion: The global network of churches descended from the Church of England, characterized by internal disagreements and a lack of centralized authority.
• Via Media: The Anglican tradition of seeking a “middle way” between opposing theological positions.
• Establishment: The Church of England’s formal relationship with the British state.
• Holy Trinity Brompton (HTB): A prominent, charismatic evangelical church within the Church of England, seen as influential and potentially reshaping the denomination.
• Caroline Divines: Influential theologians of the 17th century Church of England, representing a historical perspective on the church’s inherent tensions.

The Confirmation of Sarah Mlei and Challenges Facing the Archbishop of Canterbury

The discussion centers around the recent confirmation of Sarah Mlei as the 106th Archbishop of Canterbury, a historic event as she is the first woman to hold the office. Reverend Richard Coohls expresses “warm and prayerful thanks” for her confirmation, acknowledging the significance of the moment. However, he immediately tempers this optimism with a cautionary note, echoing the sentiment that the role is uniquely demanding and “tends to take apart those who hold it.” He emphasizes that the true test of an Archbishop isn’t their initial appearance, but their state at the end of their tenure, suggesting a degree of “circumspection” is necessary.

Safeguarding Failures and a Shifting Focus

The conversation quickly turns to the issue of safeguarding within the Church of England. The confirmation ceremony was disrupted by a heckler, Paul Williams, protesting the handling of the tragic suicide of Father Alan Griffin five years prior. This incident highlights a critical shift in understanding safeguarding failures. Traditionally focused on protecting abuse victims, attention is now turning to the church’s failures in safeguarding its own clergy – specifically, the damage caused by false accusations and the church’s inadequate handling of such cases. Reverend Coohls notes the “scale and extent of our failures” are becoming increasingly clear, and that the church has historically failed to adequately protect priests from unsubstantiated gossip and accusations. He points to a culture where casual gossip was formally recorded, violating best practices.

The Impossible Job: Authority vs. Responsibility

A central argument revolves around the inherent contradictions of the Archbishop of Canterbury’s position. The Archbishop is tasked with responsibility for issues predating their tenure, even their episcopacy, yet lacks the commensurate authority to effectively address them. Reverend Coohls bluntly states the job is “impossible,” placing an “intolerable burden” on the holder. He suggests successful Archbishops navigate “irreconcilable differences” with “the wisdom of serpents and the gentleness of doves,” a skill set rarely found in other executive roles. This is contrasted with the Papacy, where the Pope’s claim to infallibility provides a level of authority absent in the Anglican Church. He describes the Anglican Communion not as a structured ecclesiology, but as a “personality disorder.”

The Anglican Communion: A Lack of Centralized Control

The discussion highlights the fundamental difference between the Anglican Communion and the Roman Catholic Church. While the Pope can enforce decisions, the Archbishop of Canterbury faces resistance and dissent. The Anglican Communion’s decentralized nature and emphasis on individual conscience make it difficult to achieve consensus or implement unified policies. This is particularly evident in the ongoing debate surrounding same-sex relationships and marriage, where the church has struggled to reach a “clear understanding” despite attempts at compromise. Reverend Coohls notes that a tentative step forward was “kicked back to the bishops” and ultimately “kicked…into the never never,” illustrating the difficulty of progress. He points out the church’s historical inconsistency on doctrine, citing the acceptance of divorced remarriage as an example of a “fundamental alteration” of traditional marriage.

Establishment and the Parish System

The conversation explores the role of the Church of England’s establishment – its formal connection to the British state. Both speakers agree that establishment provides benefits, such as a readily recognized role for clergy within parishes and a platform for witness in the House of Lords. However, it also creates tension between the church’s doctrinal aspirations and its obligations to the communities it serves. Reverend Coohls values the accessibility of Christianity through the parish system, offering a presence regardless of individual affiliation.

The Rise of HTB and the Future of Anglican Identity

The discussion touches upon internal tensions within the Church of England, specifically the growing influence of Holy Trinity Brompton (HTB), a charismatic evangelical church. Reverend Coohls acknowledges HTB’s success but expresses concern about its “imperial tendencies” to reform the church in its own image. He advocates for a “mixed economy” within the church, fearing that prioritizing one model might alienate others. He even admits to expressing doubts about his future within the church should HTB’s influence become dominant. He frames the Anglican Church as historically “crucified between a Protestant and a papist,” suggesting the value lies in maintaining a space for diverse perspectives.

The Archbishop’s Role in a Post-Christian Society

The speakers debate whether the Archbishop of Canterbury needs to be overtly “evangelical” (in the sense of actively reaching out and engaging with the wider world) in a society increasingly characterized by secularism. Reverend Coohls acknowledges the need for a strong gospel message but cautions against sacrificing administrative competence. He notes that the most inspiring clergy are often less skilled in “double entry bookkeeping,” highlighting the challenge of balancing spiritual leadership with institutional management.

The Canon Clement Mysteries and Clerical Insight

The conversation concludes with a lighthearted discussion of Reverend Coohls’ successful series of murder mystery novels featuring a clerical detective. He jokingly suggests that clerics are uniquely qualified to write about murder due to their experience dealing with human motivations and consequences. He also points out the surprisingly large number of literary clergy detectives, suggesting a common perception of priests as astute observers of human nature.

Conclusion:

The discussion paints a complex picture of the challenges facing the newly appointed Archbishop of Canterbury. While Sarah Mlei’s confirmation is a historic moment, the role itself is fraught with contradictions and demands. The Church of England is grappling with safeguarding failures, internal divisions, and the difficulty of navigating a rapidly changing cultural landscape. The conversation underscores the inherent tensions within the Anglican Communion – its commitment to both tradition and inclusivity, its desire for both authority and consensus, and its struggle to remain relevant in a post-Christian society. Reverend Coohls’ insights, informed by his experience as a priest, author, and observer of the church, offer a nuanced and often pessimistic assessment of the challenges ahead.