Rent-A-Gob priest tells it like it is for Welby

Justin Welby’s departure as Archbishop of Canterbury has sparked plenty of debate, with a wave of opinions on his 12-year leadership flooding the media. Yet, in all the commentary, one voice stood out: Dr. Gavin Ashenden, former Bishop, delivered a strikingly balanced, impactful analysis that cut through the noise. When I tuned into the BBC, I half-expected the usual sermonising on the Church's ‘challenging role,’ but Dr. Ashenden surprised me with clear, direct language—no theatrics or vagueness. He held the Bishops accountable for their role in the Church’s failings with a refreshing, no-nonsense approach.

Sure, Dr. Ashenden might be a seasoned media ‘rent-a-gob’, but he’s mastered the art of impactful communication—delivering a powerful message in a limited timeframe. At the core of our communications training is this ability to create real influence; without it, any message risks being lost in the crowd.