Hierarchy of the Church of England

From the 6th century until the 16th century, the Archbishops of Canterbury were in full communion with Rome. During the English Reformation the Church of England broke away from the authority of the Pope and the Roman Catholic Church. The monarch has, since then, been the “Defender of the Faith and Supreme Governor of the Church of England”. Since the English Reformation, the Church of England has been more explicitly a state church and the decision maker has, since then, been legally that of the Crown. The Church of England is made up of 108 bishops. The Archbishops' Council co-ordinates, promotes, aids and furthers the mission of the Church of England. It is composed of 19 members and 7 directors whose task is to give a clear sense of direction to the Church nationally and support the Church locally. The Archbishop of Canterbury is the senior bishop and principal leader of the Church of England. He is Primate of All England and the symbolic head of the worldwide Anglican Communion. Today the choice of the Archbishop of Canterbury is made by the Queen on the advice of the Prime Minister, who receives a short list of two names from a committee called the Crown Nominations Commission. With the Archbishops of York and London, he sits on the Privy Council (the Queen's body of advisers). He is joint president of the Council of Christians and Jews. He has a leading role in nurturing Anglican relationships with other churches worldwide and at home. He is the spiritual leader of the Anglican Communion and is recognised as first among equals of Bishops worldwide. He is engaged in worship and holds academic positions. The current archbishop is Justin Welby. His enthronement took place on 21 March 2013. He is the actual head of the church in the name of the monarch.