The Archbishop of Wales, Rowan Williams, will succeed Dr George Carey in the Church of England's top post.

Dr Williams is known for his liberal - and sometimes controversial views - in particular on the ordination of women and gay priests. Some Christians fear his appointment could split the Church.

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New Archbishop of Canterbury chosen

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Dr Williams was chosen by Tony Blair from a short list of two names

The new Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, speaks about his main aims for his new role. He says he has "no fixed programme or agenda" but longs for Christianity in England over the coming years to again "capture the imagination of our culture".

 Click here to watch Dr Williams' acceptance speech

 The BBC's Robert Piggott reports on Dr Williams' appointment

 The BBC's Wyre Davies profiles the 104th Archbishop of Canterbury

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Carey's legacy

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Dr Carey will step down in the autumn

George Carey's tenure has been a difficult period for the church. His main achievements are seen as overseeing the first ordination of women priests and managing the divisions which resulted.

 The BBC's Robert Pigott reports on Dr Carey's legacy

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Women priests

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Anne Widdecombe was opposed to the ordination of women

It is almost 10 years since women priests were first ordained by the Church of England. Some members remain hostile to them and there are still no women bishops.

Some Anglicans have warned that Dr Williams' views on the ordination of women could split the Church.

 Baroness Perry of the Parliamentary Ecclesiastical Committee argues for full equality for women in the church

 Conservative MP Ann Widdecombe converted to Catholicism in protest at the ordination of women