An Anglican priest has called on Bermudian women to come forward as prospective priests following the announcement that Britain's new Archbishop of Canterbury will be Dr. Rowan Williams, described by some as a liberal intellectual.

And Canon James Francis added his voice to the call for Bermuda to update its human rights legislation so that categories such as sexual orientation and age are not left out as grounds for unfair discrimination.

Anglican priests across the Island welcomed the appointment of Bishop of Wales Dr. Williams and said he was a man of the people and an outstanding scholar.

But the appointment has provoked controversy in Britain among some conservative members of the clergy, who have protested at the fact that he takes liberal stances on such issues as the ordination of female priests and also on homosexuals inside or outside the clergy.

Bishop of Bermuda the Rt. Rev. Ewen Ratteray, who is against the idea of having women priests, declined to comment on Dr. Williams' personal stances but said: "It would appear to be a good choice as he is an outstanding theologian, a man of prayer, who is able to relate to people of all kinds."

Canon Francis, the first chairman of the Human Rights Commission and rector of Christ Church, Devonshire, said: "I think that he will be an excellent leader for this day and time and I think that he will carry us farther into the future. Dr. Williams will allow us to become more involved in issues that affect humans."

Asked what he thought of Dr. Williams's opinion on female priests, he said: "I like his stand on that issue. I would like the church to become more conscious of the society in which it serves. I'm ecstatic about this news."

And asked how he felt about homosexuals becoming priests, Canon Francis said: "I don't think that is something we can stop. We have gay priests and that is nothing new. I think that Dr. Williams will be very clear of what is expected of those priests who are gay, just as he is clear on what he expects from priests who are married."

Asked if he considered Dr. Williams to be a liberal, Canon Francis said: "Well, if liberal means he is for everything then I would say he is not. He is grounded in faith and his views are based on the traditions of the church as well as what is happening in the world. This is the kind of man that we need at the head of the church."

He added that he felt Bishop Ratteray's views opposing the ordination of women would not stand up to current human rights legislation should they be put to the test.

"But because of that, no women have come forward and expressed their desire to become priests. This is not something that can go on forever though. I would be thrilled if some women came forward."

Canon Francis said he felt it was time Bermuda's human rights legislation was updated to include areas such as age and sexual orientation as grounds for complaints against unfair discrimination.

"The legislation has to include all areas in which people may be discriminated against. That is the bone of contention where Bermuda is concerned. All vestiges of unfair discrimination should cease in an enlightened society."

The Rev. Michael Davis, of St. Anne's Church, Southampton, said he welcomed Dr. Williams' appointment as he is "a serious theologian and a sensitive pastor".

He said: "His thinking seems always original and deep, combining great learning and personal spirituality. What I have read of him points to an all-embracing theology of the cross and this seems central to his personal reflection on life and reconciliation, love and suffering."