Who will succeed Rowan Williams as the Archbishop of Canterbury? The Crown Nominations Commission met in September, and it is thought the 19-strong committee - which includes bishops, priests and lay people - has chosen Justin Welby, the Bishop of Durham as its preferred candidate. An announcement is expected on Friday. Here are some of those who were contenders to lead the Church of England.

Other contenders include the Bishop of Leicester, Tim Stevens; the Bishop of Bradford, Nick Baines; James Jones, who is the Bishop of Liverpool; and John Inge, the Bishop of Worcester.

Compiled by Mick Robson and Megan Lane