'Hunt for next Archbishop reaches deadlock after 'snubbing' frontrunner Sentamu

The secretive panel choosing the next Archbishop of Canterbury is rumoured to have turned down the original frontrunner, the Archbishop of York John Tucker Mugabi Sentamu , amid signs that it is deadlocked.

Speculation was rife last night that the 16-strong Crown Nominations Commission was not convinced the high-profile Dr Sentamu was the best candidate, and was torn between two other candidates, the Bishop of Norwich Graham James and the Bishop of Durham Justin Welby.

Sources said Ugandan-born Dr Sentamu, who had been tipped as the Church’s first black Archbishop of Canterbury, was a popular and charismatic leader, but may lack the diplomatic skills for Lambeth Palace.

However, colleagues said he may well come back into the frame for the Church of England’s top post if the deadlock continues.

Bookmakers have Bishop Welby, 56, as a 6/4 favourite for the post ahead of Bishop James, 61, at 9/4. Dr Sentamu is 4/1.'

Top-rated Comments:

If by a lack of Diplomatic skills they mean he stands up for the teaching in the Bible and Christian belief rather than promote liberal anti Christian beliefs and practises, then he's the man for me!

- leo53, chelmsford, 30/9/2012 2:57 - 255 thumbs up

I have always though that Dr Sentamu, was just what a modern Church of England needed. He always speaks, I always listen. but the C of E, always chooses someone bland? Its time for change, and Dr Sentamu, would be a good choice.

- Lottie, Truro, 30/9/2012 2:48 - 204 thumbs up

it has to be Sentamu! A man of such faith, conviction and charisma would be a joyful, refreshing Archbishop of Canterbury with a different but honest diplomacy that might just be what the C of E needs.

- Val, Brum, 30/9/2012 3:06 - 171 thumbs up

I know both of these Bishops, good Godly men, but very wrong choices. As the article suggests, rather boring. I also know Sentemu. He won't be their choice, he's too lively and outspoken for a church of secrets, power, greed.

- what a strange world, france, 30/9/2012 2:48 - 145 thumbs up

Come on Cof E...where are your balls? Jesus would be turning in His grave if he were dead. Sentamu is the only man called - it's not your call!!

- Funnybone, dorset, United Kingdom, 30/9/2012 2:31 - 133 thumbs up

Senamtu should get the job, he's the only one who has actually defended Christianity in the UK against the political elite.

- Guinuk, Havant, 30/9/2012 1:52 - 116 thumbs up

Maybe we cold have someone who will stand up to Islam?

- Patriot, London, 30/9/2012 6:00 - 106 thumbs up

The decline of the Church while led by the present bearded incumbent has been tragic. Sentamu has the ability to inspire and lead the Church. The Church is crying out for a leader for the flock rather than an administrator, a fervent believer rather than an agnostic.

- Downtrodden Taxpayer, BRISTOL, 30/9/2012 5:54 - 99 thumbs up

Dr. Sentamu is "charismatic and popular" and would be a great Archbishop, being diplomatic is NOT a criteria for an Archbishop. For goodness' sake let's not have another Rowan Williams that would kill the church completely. Give us someone with some charisma!

- kasuku, kyrenia, 30/9/2012 2:00 - 97 thumbs up

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/debate/article-2210695/Our-C-E-cracked-old-antique--chose-wrong-Archbishop-fall-apart-hands.html