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the new archbishop of canterbury

(78 Posts)
madeleine45 Thu 29-Jan-26 15:37:17

How good to see the new woman archbishop. She is a breath of fresh air, and has much useful knowledge in her background. At least we have much more likelihood of child abuse not being ignored, so wishing her a long and calming influence on the many parts of the church of england.

mae13 Thu 29-Jan-26 15:49:06

Hear, hear! About time the established order was given a good shake, though doubtless she will have all manner of obstacles put in her way by bishops with medieval ideas about women.

And I suspect some of them will have one or two sinister secrets they're terrified of the new Archbishop shining a light on.

Jojo1950 Sat 31-Jan-26 13:40:16

I hope she is not as weak as she sounds!
They all usually are!

Ziplok Sat 31-Jan-26 13:51:01

Why do you think she sounds weak Jojo? A genuine question, I’m curious. I’ve not seen a lot of her on the tv, but what I have seen, she strikes me as a no nonsense sort, but not especially weak.
As other posters say, though, I suppose it depends how all those around her behave and how many of them try to thwart her, hold back issues, etc.

Jess20 Sat 31-Jan-26 14:02:24

I think someone who had a very senior position in the NHS is unlikely to be weak! Maybe pragmatic but not weak.

AGAA4 Sat 31-Jan-26 14:08:27

I may be wrong but didn't she say she would not tolerate mysogeny? Good for her if she did.

Doodledog Sat 31-Jan-26 14:22:51

Jojo1950

I hope she is not as weak as she sounds!
They all usually are!

What do you mean by 'weak', and what is it about a 'strong' A of C that you would prefer?

Bazza Sat 31-Jan-26 14:32:47

Apparently ten bishops (or similar) have refused to take communion from a woman. That says it all really.

Ladyleftfieldlover Sat 31-Jan-26 14:44:35

I am very pleased she has been chosen but I’m afraid she will have as difficult a job as previous ABCs. Even Rowan Williams, who has a brain the size of a planet, could never get anything done. I always thought that those Anglicans who couldn’t approve of women being priests or bishops should have become Roman Catholic. Some did, even married ones, but a lot didn’t.

I used to work in a theological college and saw all sorts.

Sarnia Sat 31-Jan-26 14:50:57

I was hoping for a female Archbishop but didn't think they would appoint one. I see that some bishops want to form a breakaway group. Diocesan Dinosaurs for a title?

Sleepyhead52 Sat 31-Jan-26 15:12:41

I am conflicted here (and I should add that it doesn't bother me on a personal level what the gender of the ABC is). In any walk of life some people hold unshakeable opinions but in a democracy we should all agree with what the majority (who vote) choose. We are now in a society where, if democracy doesn't give somone what they want, small, shouty groups of people do their utmost to undermine or destroy the view of the majority. I see this as a small, shouty group within the Church of England. They don't like this result so they try to undermine it. They have surely had their say and made their point so shouldn't the majority vote be supported, or at least accepted, by all? That having been said, there are a few things that nothing would change my opinion on! I have had to put this as a comment as I am not sure that I know how to comment on a comment ...

Etoile2701 Sat 31-Jan-26 15:31:44

What do you mean?

Sleepyhead52 Sat 31-Jan-26 15:45:26

Etoile2701 Do you mean me? If so, I have seen where some posts reply to an existing comment and I am not sure how. In this instance it would have been to Bazza's comment

Milliedog Sat 31-Jan-26 16:10:39

I think it depends on your view of the bible. As a bible believing Christian,
I read that w omen are seen in the New Testament as equal to men, but having different roles. Being the ABC is not one of them. Her views on same sex couples is directly opposite to those in the New Testament. She has also departed from the historic Anglican positions that uphold the authority of Scripture for faith and life. She is also proud choice - again departing from the biblical view of the sanctity of life.

MartavTaurus Sat 31-Jan-26 16:22:33

Jojo1950

I hope she is not as weak as she sounds!
They all usually are!

Eh? In what way?

Those who know her, (yes!), will tell you she has always been highly ambitious, and her appointment came as no surprise. Weak is not a fitting description.

JaneJudge Sat 31-Jan-26 16:27:37

she's already spoken about safeguarding and misogyny - not really 'weak' subjects

I'm not religious but I think it's great they've allowed a female

Geordiegirl1 Sat 31-Jan-26 16:45:47

Her main problem will be with the Anglican Communion in Africa. I’m amazed she was appointed.

Riversidegirl Sat 31-Jan-26 16:59:40

DH met her at some years ago at an inaugural meeting for something or other at the Houses of Parliament. Although she had left the NHS she was involved because she was still interested. He was impressed with her and now always refers to her as "my friend" because they sat at the same tea table!

DeeDe Sat 31-Jan-26 17:08:28

Agree …

Anniebach Sat 31-Jan-26 17:13:09

Agree Milliedog

eazybee Sat 31-Jan-26 17:41:23

Paula Vennells , of Post Office notoriety , was one of the three most senior women in the Church of England, and had she not been exposed she may well have been a contender for the position of Archbishop of Canterbury.
I am not particularly impressed by the latest incumbent, but we shall see.

Dickens Sat 31-Jan-26 18:10:35

Milliedog

I think it depends on your view of the bible. As a bible believing Christian,
I read that w omen are seen in the New Testament as equal to men, but having different roles. Being the ABC is not one of them. Her views on same sex couples is directly opposite to those in the New Testament. She has also departed from the historic Anglican positions that uphold the authority of Scripture for faith and life. She is also proud choice - again departing from the biblical view of the sanctity of life.

I read that w omen are seen in the New Testament as equal to men, but having different roles.

Biologically of course, they do.

But they, women, can never be equal to men if they are excluded from the positions of power / high office.

However all religions are, it would appear, male-dominated, some more so than others - which is why I will never have anything to do with organised religion.

Kitty55 Sat 31-Jan-26 18:19:34

I wonder who wrote the New Testament or the Bible, men or women. How little some people change.

Ziplok Sat 31-Jan-26 18:20:49

I was unaware that there was an Archbishop of Canterbury at the time the New Testament was being written ….
So, where does it say that a woman can’t be the ABC?

semperfidelis Sat 31-Jan-26 19:51:00

She has already spoken out about assisted dying. How very sad