Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby to Take Break for ‘Reflection and Prayer’

iNews ^ | 11/22/20 | Alina Polianskaya

[marshmallow]

The Archbishop is expected to spend much of his time carrying out further study on reconciliation, the Church of England says

The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, is set to take a sabbatical and study leave starting in May 2021.

Lambeth Palace has confirmed that he will take time out for “reflection, prayer, and spiritual renewal” and will return to his official duties in September.

Mr Welby is expected to spend much of his time carrying out further study on reconciliation, which is one of the priorities of his time in the role and an area he has worked in for many years, his office announced.

He is set to split his time between Cambridge and United States.

Mr Welby posted on Twitter: “The Bible has lots to say about work and rest. I’ll be taking a sabbatical and study leave from May to early August next year.

“All CofE clergy can (and should!) apply for this every 7-10 years. It reminds us no minister is indispensable to the work of God.”

[Menehune56]

Is there a backstory here I missed?

[Governor Dinwiddie]

It's not complicated Welby. Jesus came to save all who put their faith him him. That's it. Jesus wasn't preaching to pointy headed prelates who can't even discern good from evil. Jesus preached to all, the poor, the illiterate, the rich, the learned. No need to "take time out".

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life."—John 3:16

[aposiopetic]

Amen.

[Steven Scharf]

Is there a backstory here I missed?

No, historically, Anglican/Episcopal priest serve the same parish for long times, ten to 20 years. It is not unusual for them to do sabbaticals after about 10 years in one place to “recharge their batteries” as most might put it.

The Dean of my Cathedral took two six month sabbaticals with about a year between them. He went west for one of them and did some work on indian reservations. Others go off and do some studying or something similar.

Our parish actually budgeted for it over a couple of years so that the financial impact would not hit in one year.

[Menehune56]

Thanks.