LONDON - Rowan Williams, who will become Archbishop of Canterbury in February, completed another step in that process Friday when he was elected by the College of Canons of Canterbury.
The unanimous vote for Williams to replace Archbishop George Carey as the leader of the world's 70 million Anglicans occurred during a service at Canterbury Cathedral.
In December, Williams will be confirmed as the head of the Anglican Communion. In February, he will become the 104th Archbishop of Canterbury during an enthronement, or public witness ceremony.
Williams, who is now the archbishop of Wales, recently generated attention by opposing any pre-emptive attacks on Iraq to destroy its alleged weapons of mass destruction.
Although Williams was among those caught in the dust and debris of the World Trade Center when it was destroyed by suicide hijackers on Sept. 11, he also opposed the U.S.-led war in Afghanistan.
"I am delighted that Rowan Williams has been elected unanimously as archbishop," the Rev. Robert Willis, the dean of Canterbury, said after Friday's service and vote.
"He will come to his new cathedral with all our prayers and good wishes. We look forward to supporting his ministry both within the Diocese of Canterbury and to the world-wide Anglican Communion," Willis said.
In keeping with customs, Williams was not invited to the ceremony, which follows traditions stretching back over a thousand years.
The appointment of the archbishop-elect, who is the first bishop from outside the Church of England to be selected for the post for more than 300 years, was confirmed by the Queen Elizabeth II in July.
Born and raised in south Wales, Williams is known for combining an ability to engage with ordinary people and a formidable intellect.
He was one of Oxford University's youngest professors at the age of 36, and is well known as a fan of the cartoon show "The Simpsons."
Williams also has gained attention by refusing to shun homosexual members of the church, and by supporting women clergy.