It is an honour and privilege, albeit a daunting one, to occupy this editorial chair. I am the fourth editor in the Journal's 35-year history, and I follow in the footsteps of the Reverend Dr Will Adam, who has retired after eight years in the driving seat (and a further three years before that as assistant editor). Will's first editorial affirmed that his ambition remained for ‘the Ecclesiastical Law Journal to be the leading journal in the field and the first choice for authors seeking to publish important work in the area of law and religion’.Footnote 1 Under his stewardship the Journal has undoubtedly continued to flourish, and has confirmed its position as the leading academic journal in its field. Will fully realised his ambition, building as he did on the labours of his own predecessor, Professor Mark Hill QC, who built on the work of the Journal's founding editor, the late Chancellor Michael Goodman.
Regarding the Editorial Board more generally, Stephen Slack has stepped down and been succeeded by the Reverend Alexander McGregor, who now fulfils the role previously occupied by Stephen as Head of the Legal Office of General Synod and Chief Legal Adviser to the Archbishops’ Council and the General Synod. The Journal owes a considerable debt to Stephen for his wisdom and expertise over his many years, and I wish to record my thanks to him and to the other distinguished Board members who have supported me during the editorial handover.
My intention is that the Journal will continue to maintain its high academic standards and its broad global reach. The editorial policy remains focused on the study of the law of the Church of England and the Anglican Communion, but also encompasses broader ecumenical, international, social, historical and comparative perspectives. I welcome the submission of articles and comment pieces, particularly from young scholars, and I am grateful to those responsible for the book reviews, case notes, synod and parliamentary reports which contribute substantially to the reputation of this Journal.
