The Archbishop of Canterbury Dr George Carey today announced he is to retire in the autumn.
Dr Carey, the primate of all England and leader of an estimated 70 million Anglicans worldwide, said his retirement would take effect on October 31st.
He said: "By the end of October I shall have served 11 and half years in a demanding yet wonderfully absorbing and rewarding post.
"I feel certain this will be the right and proper time to stand down. I look forward to exciting opportunities and challenges in the coming months, and then to fresh ones in the years that follow".
A statement from Lambeth Palace said Dr Carey (66) will carry out all the duties and responsibilities of the Archbishop of Canterbury, both for the Church of England and the Anglican Communion, as normal until the autumn.
PA