December 12, 2002
by Geralyn Wolf

The Most Revd Rowan Williams was recently named as the 104th Archbishop of Canterbury. Bishop Williams was the Archbishop of Wales. When he is enthroned at Canterbury Cathedral on February 27th, he will be the first bishop from outside the Church of England to hold this post.

Archbishop Williams is a theologian and educator, and is often described as one who is theologically orthodox and socially liberal. He is a strong supporter of the ordination of women, and has ordained a homosexual in a committed relationship. He describes himself as a pacifist, and was quick to pass judgement on his government's position on the war in Afghanistan. Rowan Williams is a prayerful man, who in seeking the heart and mind of Christ often takes surprising turns. With any election or appointment, some rejoice over the selection and others are terribly dismayed. Such is the case now, as some in the Anglican Communion speak of further division.

Personally, I am delighted with the appointment. Archbishop Williams will bring intellectual rigor to our various conversations. He will help us chart a theological path through the many issues that confront the church today, including the difficult challenges of mission and sacrifice. I had the pleasure of living close to the Archbishop at the Lambeth Conference in 1998, and in being assigned to the same dining hall. We had several generous conversations, where I discovered that he sees many sides to a situation, is energetic, warm and exceedingly thoughtful. His clarity and forthrightness are refreshing. From a mutual friend, I learned that he does not drive, reads incessantly, and sees his present role as teacher and sacramentalist. He is a warm and gifted man, a solitary in many ways, and eager to place the voice of the church in the midst of worldly and theological conversations. I am looking forward to serving with this new and interesting Archbishop of Canterbury.

Anglican Communion News Service

The Rt Revd Geralyn Wolf is bishop of the Diocese of Rhode Island in the USA. The above article was published in ‘Risen', the diocesan newspaper