Anglican leaders speak of a society awash with "pick and mix" spirituality, in which people choose beliefs and practices to suit their private needs.

Every 10 years, the 38 primates, or Anglican leaders, hold a large summit meeting, and in recent years they have begun to meet annually.

At the 1988 gathering, Anglican leaders proclaimed the next 10 years as a "decade of evangelism."

Among his ancestors were several outstanding Irish Catholic and Anglican religious leaders.

He will be the first Anglican leader from outside England since the church broke away from Rome in the 16th century.

A number of conservative Anglican leaders in various countries stated their intention to split from the communion if the consecration went ahead.

Indeed, the archbishop announced on Friday that he would convene an October meeting of Anglican leaders to deal with the crisis.

But it carries weight as an expression of Anglican leaders worldwide, one that will endure at least until the next conference.

Sadly, Anglican leaders have played little role in this process.

As such, she will represent the church in meetings with other Anglican leaders from around the world and with leaders of other religious groups.