Justin Welby set to become new Archbishop of Canterbury

From The BBC- (Other links included below)

Bishop of Durham Justin Welby, a former oil industry worker, is set to become the next Archbishop of Canterbury.

It is thought the 56-year-old will be named on Friday as the replacement for Rowan Williams, who steps down in December after 10 years in the post.

Bishop Welby became a bishop only a year ago when he took up the Church of England's fourth most senior post.

Downing Street sources have confirmed the next archbishop will be formally announced on Friday morning.

On Tuesday, leading bookmakers stopped taking bets on the succession after a run of bets on Bishop Welby.

The Daily Telegraph reports that Bishop Welby has agreed to accept the post. The Times newspaper says he will be named as the new Primate this week.

Justin Welby will bring some unusual qualities to his new role. An old Etonian, he has significant experience in the oil industry and in managing complex processes and organisations.

He said he was called to become a priest following the death of his young daughter in a car crash.

Critics have said that the fact he's only been a bishop for a year may leave him vulnerable when dealing with the Church's various factions.

But he is skilled at conflict resolution, even at one point risking his own life when dealing with warring factions in Nigeria.

He's particularly concerned about the plight of the poor and the moral obligations of the City - so the government can expect him to be just as outspoken as Rowan Williams.

Radio 4 Profile: Justin Welby
Bishop Welby said he was unable to comment on the speculation.

Speaking during a break in the Parliamentary Commission on Banking Standards inquiry, of which he is a committee member, he said: "I am not able to comment, only Lambeth Palace can."

More here-

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-20242129

The Telegraph

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/religion/9662546/Justin-Welby-to-be-Archbishop-of-Canterbury.html

The Guardian-

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2012/nov/08/justin-welby-archbishop-canterbury-business

Daily Mail-

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2229054/Justin-Welby-Former-oil-boss-expected-named-new-Archbishop-Canterbury.html?ito=feeds-newsxml