The Instruments of Communion
The Archbishop of Canterbury
The Archbishop of Canterbury serves as one of the four Instruments of Communion that together seek to foster unity in the global Anglican family. The Archbishop holds a unique position within the Communion, as the first bishop of the first historic See, founded in 597.
The Anglican Communion is a fellowship of 42 autonomous and interdependent churches bound together in faith, order, and mutual service. The Archbishop of Canterbury’s personal and pastoral ministry in the Communion helps to strengthen these bonds of communion, working collegially with other primates.
A Pastoral Ministry of Unity
As an Instrument of Communion, the Archbishop of Canterbury’s role is often expressed through the title ‘primus inter pares’, meaning ‘first among equals’ alongside the other Primates (the senior archbishops or presiding bishops) of the Communion’s member churches.
A core part of this mandate is a continuous and vital pastoral ministry. The Archbishop undertakes visits to the provinces of the Anglican Communion to offer encouragement to local Anglicans, support their diverse ministries, and understand firsthand the unique challenges and opportunities they face.
This personal presence is also central to the Archbishop’s ecumenical role, fostering relationships with other Christian churches globally by building deep, authentic relationships with other Christian leaders.
Formal Responsibilities of the Role
Alongside their ministry in the Church of England, internationally, the Archbishop of Canterbury serves the Anglican Communion and works with the other instruments.
- The Primates’ Meeting: The Archbishop convenes and chairs this more frequent gathering of the leaders of the member churches for prayer, consultation, and spiritual reflection. They do this alongside the Standing Committe of the Primates’ Meeting, made up of five archbishops that represent each region of the Anglican Communion.
- The Lambeth Conference: Gathers bishops from across the Communion to attend this consultative gathering, which has historically taken place approximately every ten years.
- The Anglican Consultative Council: Invites 2-3 representatives from every Member church of the Anglican Communion. This consultative council brings bishops, clergy and laity together.
Appointing the Archbishop
The process for appointing a new Archbishop of Canterbury is led by the Crown Nominations Commission (CNC). The Anglican Communion Office (ACO) supports the CNC in its liaison with the Communion.
The CNC for the latest Archbishop was a 20-member body that included five representatives from the Anglican Communion, ensuring a global perspective in this vital appointment. These five representatives came from Africa; the Americas; the Middle East and Asia; Oceania; and Europe.
More information visit the website for the Archbishop of Canterbury.
The 106th Archbishop of Canterbury
The Rt Revd and Rt Hon Dame Sarah Mullally DBE was announced as the 106th Archbishop of Canterbury in October 2025.
Formerly a high-ranking nurse and England’s youngest Chief Nursing Officer, she became ordained in 2002.
Speaking about the Anglican Communion, The Archbishop of Canterbury has said:
“When I think about the Anglican Communion, I am
filled with joy and hope. As a vibrant part of God’s
universal church, it serves millions of Christians
across the globe, spanning diverse cultures and
traditions. I give thanks for the churches of the
Anglican Communion and their faithful Christian
presence in communities worldwide.
Through the deep bonds of friendship shared
between the Provinces, I know that every day,
Anglican churches strengthen one another in
mission; stand alongside one another in times of
adversity and speak out on matters of injustice
and inequality.
This is possible, because as Christians, we are all
called to one hope. Paul’s letter to the Ephesians
says: “…We all share in one hope, one Lord, one
faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who
is over all and through all and in all.”
Watch a film of the full message shared by the Archbishop of Canterbury to the Anglican Communion, at the announcement of her nomination – October 2025.
Watch a message to the Anglican Communion from the Rt Revd and Rt Hon Dame Sarah Mullally DBE, Archbishop-Designate of Canterbury
Learn More About the Instruments of Communion:
Learn more about the Anglican Consultative Council (ACC)
The ACC is the Communion’s representative body, gathering laity, clergy, and bishops to guide cooperative work.
Learn more about the last Lambeth Conference in 2022
A global gathering of bishops, convened by the Archbishop of Canterbury to shape the Communion’s mission.
Find out more about the Primates’ Meeting
The Primates are the Anglican Communion’s senior bishops and archbishops. Their meetings are a time for prayer, dialogue and fellowship.
