The phrase "former archbishop" refers to a person who held the position of archbishop in the past but no longer does. They used to be an archbishop but have since retired or left the position. Full definition
Senior politicians and clergy have gathered for the funeral of former Archbishop of Westminster Cardinal Cormac Murphy - O'Connor. (premierchristianity.com)
This quality has been described by former Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams: «The whole point of Celia Paul's work is to break down the polarity between self - contemplation and the contemplation of the other - an other that opens out to that final otherness which religious people know as God». (victoria-miro.com)
The Bishop of Oxford has confirmed former Archbishop of Canterbury, Lord Carey, has taken a break from ministry following a review that found the Church of England concealed evidence of abuse by a former bishop. (premierchristianity.com)