Justin Welby

I've very much enjoyed reading Andrew Atherstone's bio of Justin Welby the new Archbishop of Canterbury.

It is a very readable and quick trot through the salient features of Welby's life and ministry thus far. Notably, Welby was converted at Cambridge through the CICCU and went to the Round Church (now St Andrew the Great, or 'STAG'). He then become very involved with Holy Trinity Brompton, the UK's leading charismatic Anglican church and the home of the Alpha Course.

This drives his evident passion for evangelism - which he clearly sees as different from 'mission' (more broadly defined), and which features in his parish ministry and in his work as Bishop of Durham. He clearly wants people to know Christ and him crucified.

But he has also spent some interesting times in interesting places - working for reconciliation and peace in war-torn parts of the world. Especially, he has a connection to the Church in Nigeria, forged over many years. So: he knows what is at stake for some people in committing to the gospel of Jesus.

Even given these roots, Welby is a man of an eclectic spirituality, and has spent a good deal of time in the company of Roman Catholic spiritual guides.

I finished the book wondering how Welby will go about promoting evangelism in the CofE in his new role, and at the same time manage the processes of conflict and change. That he is a practical man, plain of speech and not an academic, will be in many senses to his advantage.

Anyhow - grab Atherstone's book. It is a great read. And maybe as you read, pray for Welby and for the Church and the Communion that he now leads.