Former Coventry Cathedral canon takes on Archbishop role

Buy photos » Bishop Welby and his wife Caroline face the press on the steps of St Paul's Cathedral on Monday (February 4). (s)

JUSTIN Welby officially became Archbishop of Canterbury in a service held at St Paul's Cathedral on Monday.

The former canon at Coventry Cathedral completed all the necessary legalities to be confirmed in the post, in a service led by the Archbishop of York John Sentamu on Monday (February 4).

Attending the service were many people who had worked with Justin Welby during his career, notable from the dioceses of Coventry, Liverpool and Durham.

As well as being a legal formality, the service contained readings, prayers, hymns and an anthem, as well as an address by the Archbishop of York.

At the end of the service, the new Archbishop and his wife, Caroline, left through the Great West Doors to face a bank of press photographers.

The Most Reverend Justin Welby will be enthroned in a service at Canterbury Cathedral on March 21.

The one time oil executive spent seven years as Rector of Southam and four years in charge of Warwick and Stratford hospitals.

Mr Welby took over as Rector of Southam in 1995 just three years after being ordained.

The 56-year-old father of five joined the South Warwickshire General Hospitals NHS Trust as a non-executive director in 1998 and two years later became chairman. He also served as a parent governor and chair of governors at Southam College.

In 2002 Mr Welby was appointed canon residentiary of Coventry Cathedral and the co-director for International Ministry at the International Centre for Reconciliation.

He went on to serve as Dean of Liverpool in 2007 and was appointed Bishop of Durham in 2012.

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