Church of England advertising job for new Archbishop of Canterbury

Who will succeed Justin Welby?

If you fancy a dramatic career switch, then the official 'statement of needs' is your next port of call, as the spiritual leader of the Church of England must adhere to some pretty strict requirements.

You must boast a "theological depth" and strong communication skills with people from all walks of life.

Somebody with the "utmost integrity who is able to speak honestly" about church issues would be ideal, as well as a "servant leader who shows compassion towards the disadvantaged and marginalised"; "unapologetic about offering a Christian perspective to local, national, and international dialogue"; a willingness to ordain both men and women, and previous experience working "constructively" around same-sex couple blessings - supporting both sides of the ongoing marriage argument inside the church.

"Unlike a secular recruitment process, no one applies to be the Archbishop of Canterbury," reads a process description.

"Following a full and open public consultation, candidates are invited into a months-long process of prayerful discernment. This spiritual approach ensures the nomination is about discernment under God, anticipating His provision and recognising His anointing of a particular person to give leadership."

Historically, candidates already have skin in the game having held senior leadership roles within the church, while they must be aged between 30 and 70 years old.

It is thought that Welby's successor could be unveiled by this autumn, but will it be a first-ever female Archbishop?

Welby's 12-year reign as the 105th Archbishop came to a controversial end back in January of this year.

He confirmed that he'd be stepping down from the post in November 2024 in light of the failures connected to handling the abuse scandal involving barrister John Smyth QC.

Smyth was believed to have abused up to 130 boys and young men across a 50-year period, but an independent report led by Keith Makin found that Welby didn't follow up on rumours of his "abhorrent" behaviour when they first reached his ears in 2013.