THE Archbishop of Canterbury will officially relinquish his position on 6 January, and is not due to take part in Advent and Christmas services at Canterbury Cathedral, it was confirmed on Wednesday.

A statement released by Lambeth Palace says that Archbishop Welby’s “last day in post” will be the Feast of Epiphany. It had previously been announced that he would cease his duties on that date; it is now confirmed that, on the same day, he will formally relinquish his position.

“From that date, his primatial functions will be delegated, mainly to the Archbishop of York, his metropolitan functions to the Bishop of London, and his diocesan functions to the Bishop of Dover,” the statement says.

This division of labour means that the Bishop of London, the Rt Revd Sarah Mullally, will take on responsibility for archepiscopal functions in the province of Canterbury, such as consecrating bishops, while Archbishop Cottrell will take on duties that pertain to the whole Church of England.

The Bishop of Dover, the Rt Revd Rose Hudson-Wilkin, will take on responsibility for duties in the diocese of Canterbury — many of which already fall to the Bishop in recognition of the Archbishop’s extensive duties outside of the diocese.

Also on Wednesday, a spokesperson confirmed that Archbishop Welby would not be taking part in Advent or Christmas services at Canterbury Cathedral, before he relinquishes his post at Epiphany.

The spokesperson said that Archbishop Welby would be spending Christmas with his family, and reiterated that he “intends very little public-facing activity between now and Epiphany” (News, 22 November).

The BBC Christmas schedule was announced last week, without reference to the Archbishop (News, 26 November). In previous years, the BBC has broadcast his Christmas Day sermon from Canterbury Cathedral, and a pre-recorded message on New Year’s Day.

In November, Archbishop Welby announced his intention to resign, after the release of the Makin report into abuse perpetuated by John Smyth (News, 15 November).