The appointment of an Archbishop of Canterbury is of potentially huge importance to the whole country, as can be seen by the many articles about those whom the media consider to be chief candidates.

The appointment is of even greater importance to the Church of England, because he becomes not only its principal spokesman - he alone among the clergy can be assured of media coverage - but also its spiritual leader.

He can greatly influence the morale and mood of the whole church by the kind of prophetic and spiritual leadership he provides. Here in Southwark we belong to the Province of Canterbury, so we fall particularly within his jurisdiction. In the Western churches he ranks next to the Pope, and among the Churches of the East after the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople. Like both of them, he is appointed for the rest of his working life. He is also the head of the Anglican Communion with its 38 self-governing churches, 500 dioceses and over 700 million members in 164 countries, which he tries to visit during his tenure of the see.

His is an almost impossible job, even if the recent recommendations of the Hurd Commission are adopted. Only an outstanding man can cope.

Who appoints him?

The Crown, acting through the Prime Minister!

General Synod's Crown Appointments Commission produces two names, the Prime Minister chooses one of them, or sends them back and asks for two more. The ultimate sanction lies with the Canterbury Cathedral Chapter who elect him. The Crown Appointments Commission's chairman is appointed by the Prime Minister. The other members consist of the Archbishop of York, a Bishop appointed by General Synod's House of Bishops, three clergy appointed by its House of Clergy, three members of its House of Laity and four members of the Vacancy-in-See Committee of Canterbury Diocese.

Some believe that it is wrong for an Archbishop to he nominated by a Prime Minister. Others think that four members from Canterbury Diocese is disproportionate as the Archbishop is only a nominal Diocesan. Others hold that the Anglican Communion should be represented. Others want an overseas bishop appointed.

Such views may well affect the next appointment; but not this one. Whatever our misgivings, these are the people who will make the selection.

Your role and mine...

Does this mean that the ordinary member of the Church of England is entirely disfranchised? By no means. Every member has a part to play and a job to do - to pray daily for the right choice. This is all the more necessary as there are widespread fears that ecclesiastical politics may prevent the best qualified man from being appointed.

So, everyone, on your knees!

+ Hugh Montefiore