An interesting piece appeared in ‘Christian Today’ by Revd Peter Crumpler, the former Comms Director for the Archbishops’ Council. As the C of E agonises about its choice for the next Archbishop of Canterbury, the Roman Catholic Church is mourning the passing of an outstanding Pope. So Peter has asked the very timely question, ‘What can the Church of England learn from Pope Francis?’
And his central point is that when the Cardinals voted for a man many thousands of miles away from the corridors of power in the Vatican, they were “willing to think – and pray – outside the box. They chose someone from the margins, who would go on to make a significant impact at the core of the Roman Catholic Church.”
And given that the Church of England is also part of a global communion, he suggests, it might be time “for serious consideration to be given to a bishop from outside the UK”. That that might be the “holy wind of change that could revitalise both the CofE and its global partners”. He also asks if it is ”time for a woman, or a non-white person, or someone much younger than those usually called to this role, to be chosen”.
Interesting times!
Read Peter’s article here.
Picture of Canterbury Cathedral above by Antony McCallum. Source: http://www.wyrdlight.com