London, England, Nov 9, 2012 / 17:29 pm
Bishop of Durham Justin Welby will become the 105th Archbishop of Canterbury and leader of the worldwide Anglican Communion, succeeding the retiring Dr. Rowan Williams.
"I feel a massive sense of privilege at being one of those responsible for the leadership of the church in a time of spiritual hunger," said the 56-year-old father of six, who was an oil industry executive before pursuing a religious vocation.
British Prime Minister David Cameron's office formally announced the appointment, saying he had been the "overwhelming choice" of the British Crown Nominations Commission, a body made up of clergy and laypeople.
Bishop Welby is widely hailed for his personal holiness and ability to sort out complex issues, which supporters hope will serve him well as church attendance continues to drop and the Church of England wrestles with divisive issues such as female clergy and bishops, ordaining practicing homosexuals, and creating wedding ceremonies for gays.