Justin Welby has no plans to retire early

The Archbishop of Canterbury says he plans to stay in post until he reaches the retirement age of 70.

Justin Welby told The Times that any decision to retire early "would be arrived at in prayer, thoughtful consultation with others, family, colleagues, friends".

He has been Archbishop of Canterbury since 2013 and will turn 70 in 2026. 

He said he was happy to stay in the post so long as people "are happy" with him and he continues to be in good health. 

"It's not about me, it's what's best for the Church," Welby said.

"I will certainly take advice and if my health is good and people are happy that I'm still there, then I'll still be there."

The Archbishop was speaking days before a global gathering of bishops from the Anglican Communion in Canterbury, Kent. 

The Lambeth Conference is held around once every 10 years. 

It was supposed to be held in 2020 but was postponed until this year because of the pandemic. 

Over 600 bishops and their spouses are taking part, but the leaders of the Anglican Church in Rwanda, Nigeria and Uganda have decided to boycott the event. 

News
Pastor died after wooden arch fell at Big Church Festival, inquest hears
Pastor died after wooden arch fell at Big Church Festival, inquest hears

An inquest into the death of Pastor Robert Guanco has opened.

Open Doors calls for prayer for Syrian Christians following renewed violence
Open Doors calls for prayer for Syrian Christians following renewed violence

Christian persecution charity Open Doors has appealed for prayers for believers in Syria following another armed attack on the predominantly Christian town of Al-Suqaylabiyah.

Church warden and rector lead legal challenge against Church of England's Project Spire
Church warden and rector lead legal challenge against Church of England's Project Spire

A legal challenge has been on the cards for some time but the names of those spearheading the action have only now been revealed.