The Time Bombs Awaiting the New Archbishop of Canterbury The appointment of the next Archbishop of Canterbury, the spiritual leader of the Church of England and the worldwide Anglican Communion, is always a significant event. The individual chosen to fill this prestigious role faces a daunting array of challenges and unresolved issues that have been building up over the tenure of their predecessor. In the case of Justin Welby, who will be stepping down from the position in 2026 after over a decade of service, his successor will inherit a complex and delicate set of matters that have proven intractable. From the ongoing debate over the Church's stance on LGBTQ+ issues to the need to address historical wrongs, the new Archbishop will have their work cut out for them. One of the most divisive and contentious issues the new leader will have to grapple with is the Church's position on homosexuality and same-sex relationships. During Welby's time in office, the Anglican Communion has been rocked by deep divisions on this topic, with more conservative factions adamantly opposed to any liberalization of doctrine, while more progressive voices have called for greater LGBTQ+ inclusion. This schism came to a head in 2022, when the Church of England issued new guidance allowing priests to bless same-sex civil marriages, a move that was strongly opposed by evangelical and Global South Anglican leaders. The fallout from this decision has continued to reverberate, with some conservative dioceses and provinces refusing to abide by the new policy. Resolving this impasse will be a delicate balancing act for the next Archbishop. They will need to find a way to bridge the divide between the competing theological perspectives within the Church, while also upholding the principles of inclusion and non-discrimination that have gained widespread support among Anglicans, especially in the Global North. Failure to do so could lead to further fracturing of the Communion, with grave consequences for its future unity and relevance. Another major challenge the new Archbishop will face is the need to confront the Church's historical complicity in colonialism and its legacy of racism and systemic oppression. During Welby's tenure, the Church has taken some steps to acknowledge and reckon with this painful past, such as establishing a 'colonial legacy' research group and pledging to increase diversity in its leadership. However, many within the Church and the wider public have called for more concrete actions and reparations to address the harm done. The new Archbishop will have to navigate this minefield carefully, balancing the need for genuine reconciliation and restorative justice with the realities of institutional inertia and resistance to change. This will require a delicate balancing act, as the new leader must find ways to meaningfully acknowledge and atone for the Church's past misdeeds without alienating more conservative elements within the Communion. Failure to do so could further undermine the Church's moral authority and credibility, particularly among younger generations and marginalized communities. Beyond these thorny social and theological issues, the new Archbishop will also have to grapple with the practical challenges of leading a global religious institution in an era of rapid change and upheaval. The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on the Church, forcing it to adapt to new modes of worship and community engagement. The next Archbishop will need to build on the lessons learned during this period, finding innovative ways to keep the Church relevant and responsive to the needs of its diverse flock. This may involve rethinking traditional structures and hierarchies, embracing digital technologies, and fostering greater collaboration and partnership with other faith communities and secular organizations. At the same time, the new leader will have to confront the ongoing decline in church attendance and membership, particularly in the Global North. This trend has been exacerbated by the pandemic, as well as broader social and cultural shifts that have eroded the influence of organized religion. Reversing this decline and reinvigorating the Church's mission will be a crucial priority for the next Archbishop. Ultimately, the individual chosen to lead the Church of England and the Anglican Communion in 2026 will have their work cut out for them. They will be tasked with navigating a minefield of complex, divisive, and deeply entrenched issues, all while striving to maintain the unity and relevance of a global institution in a rapidly changing world. It is a daunting challenge, to be sure, but one that will require a deft touch, a keen intellect, and a deep commitment to the principles of compassion, inclusion, and justice that lie at the heart of the Christian faith. The choices made by the new Archbishop in the years to come will have far-reaching implications, not just for the Church, but for the millions of Anglicans around the world who look to it for spiritual guidance and moral leadership.