Bishop of Norwich rules himself out as Archbishop

The Bishop of Norwich said he felt "no sense of inner calling" to be the next Archbishop of Canterbury as he ruled himself out of the role.

The Right Reverend Graham Usher was believed to the among those in the running to replace Justin Welby, who resigned in November amid an historic abuse scandal.

On Friday, the bishop announced his election to the commission that will choose the 106th Archbishop, which effectively prevents him from applying.

He said "God's call" was to "serve the people and parishes of the wonderful Diocese of Norwich, as well as the national and international environmental roles I have, all of which bring me much joy".

He described his election as a "weighty privilege".

"I really want to hear from the young, the marginalised, the excluded, the silenced, the quieter voices, and especially local parishioners," he said.

The Diocese of Norwich said the Crown Nominations Commission (CNC) for the See of Canterbury would convene in May for the first of at least three meetings.

It would agree the profile and "person specification" for the next Archbishop of Canterbury, and eventually interview shortlisted candidates, it added.

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