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The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, will take a three-month sabbatical next year for “reflection, prayer and spiritual renewal,” Lambeth Palace has said.
During his absence next summer, Stephen Cottrell, the Archbishop of York and currently number two in the Church of England hierarchy, will step forward to lead the church. Sarah Mullally, Bishop of London and the third oldest bishop, will attend.
Lambeth Palace said it was “normal practice” for archbishops to take time off from their official duties. Welby’s predecessor, Rowan Williams, took a three-month sabbatical in 2007, in which he wrote a book. George Carey, Williams’ predecessor, took two months off in 1997.
Welby was due to take a sabbatical earlier this year, but it was postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Lambeth Palace said the archbishop would be studying the concept of reconciliation, one of the personal priorities of his ministry, during his time away from office.
He is expected to spend it in Cambridge or the United States, although he may spend some time at his home in northern France. You will be in regular contact with your staff during your absence. He must resume his official duties in September 2021.
Welby faced criticism this year for his response to the pandemic. Some clergymen said that he had gone beyond what was required by the government by forbidding priests from entering his churches. Others said it had not provided a strong moral voice for the nation at a time of extreme anxiety and uncertainty.
During the last lockdown in England, there has been a remarkable change in tone. Welby and other high-level religious leaders have challenged the scientific basis on which the government closed places of worship for community services and prayer and have demanded a rethink.
All members of the clergy can request to take a sabbatical every seven to 10 years, and Welby, who has been archbishop since 2013, last took a period of leave in 2005.
