Why is the archbishop of Canterbury called first among equals among Anglican bishops?

The Archbishop of Canterbury is designated as "first among equals"—a translation of the Latin phrase primus inter pares—because, while there is no single individual recognized as the supreme head of all churches within the global Anglican Communion, the archbishop serves as its symbolic senior bishop and spiritual leader.123

This role is honorary rather than legislative, as the archbishop does not possess jurisdiction over the various independent churches that constitute the communion. Instead, the office provides moral leadership and promotes unity across the worldwide family of Anglican churches. As the senior bishop, the archbishop of Canterbury convenes and presides over major international gatherings, most notably the decennial Lambeth Conference, where bishops from throughout the communion meet to discuss matters of importance.2451