Alister McGrath, one of the most respected moderate evangelical academics, said: “It is not Rowan’s fault that he is left looking like King Canute. Big cultural forces are causing the church to split and what held it together in the past is no longer there. While there are undoubtedly theological issues, it is also profoundly political.
“Rowan has a very high view of unity and has worked hard, but it is not going to be enough. It is virtually impossible to achieve consensus and it is very difficult to exercise leadership in that context. Leadership is about more than finding consensus – you also have to map out the route that you believe to be right.”
What is constantly overlooked is that the archbishop of Canterbury has purely symbolic influence, not power. He can’t impose his will even on the Church of England, let alone the other provinces of the worldwide communion. What the position has is authority. What it has lost is respect.