King Charles III Receives Bishop of Norwich for Appointment

The King has conducted an audience with an individual considered a potential candidate for the next Archbishop of Canterbury. He welcomed the Right Reverend Graham Usher, Bishop of Norwich, to Buckingham Palace on Wednesday for his appointment as Lord High Almoner. This event occurred one day after the monarch accepted the resignation of Justin Welby, amidst a significant abuse scandal. Bishop Usher is widely regarded as being in contention to become the forthcoming spiritual leader of the 85 million-strong Anglian Communion. Other individuals who could potentially become the 106th archbishop include Dame Sarah Mullally, Bishop of London; Stephen Cottrell, Archbishop of York; and Guli Francis-Dehqani, Bishop of Chelmsford. The King’s private meeting with Bishop Usher took place in the palace’s 1844 room. The position of Lord High Almoner, which dates back to the 12th Century, involves either attending upon or representing the sovereign at the Royal Maundy Service. Bishop Usher, aged 54, is an ecologist, an avid beekeeper, and the Church’s lead bishop on environmental issues. The King, similarly, is recognized for his advocacy on green matters. He became the 72nd Bishop of Norwich in 2019 and serves as a patron or president for more than 25 charities. A scandal has engulfed the Church this week, following an independent report that revealed Justin Welby’s failure to report prolific child abuser John Smyth. In a statement, Bishop Usher conveyed that he was “utterly appalled” by the contents of the Makin Review. He expressed his support for the decision to resign, adding that it is incumbent upon all individuals working within the Church of England to “ensure that everyone who comes into contact with the Church is kept safe”. Follow East of England news on X, Instagram and Facebook: BBC Beds, Herts & Bucks, BBC Cambridgeshire, BBC Essex, BBC Norfolk, BBC Northamptonshire or BBC Suffolk.Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking.