A-Z: General definitions: Archbishop of Canterbury

Definition

The senior bishop of England with responsibility to oversee the worship, teaching, discipleship and mission of the Church of England. He is also the bishop of the Diocese of Canterbury. As Head of the Anglican Communion, he is the spokesman and focus of unity for Protestant Anglican churches around the world.

The first Archbishop of Canterbury was St Augustine of Canterbury. Since Henry VIII broke away from the Catholic Church the English monarch has appointed the Archbishop of Canterbury, though today the Prime Minister does so in his/her name after nominations from Church of England committees.

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