Archbishop of Canterbury is heading back to Coventry Cathedral

The 105th Archbishop of Canterbury, the Right Reverend Justin Welby, is to visit Coventry.

THE new Archbishop of Canterbury will be back at Coventry Cathedral next month.

Lambeth Palace confirmed on Saturday former oil executive Justin Welby will visit the city where he was began his church career 20 years ago on Friday, March 15. He also served as a canon in the city for five years between 2002 and 2007.

Coventry is one of five dioceses Mr Welby will visit in the days leading up to his formal enthronement as the head of the Church of England.

The Bishop of Coventry, The Right Reverend Dr Christopher Cocksworth, - who was himself said to be among the front-runners to replace Dr Rowan Williams - said: "Our new Archbishop of Canterbury is no stranger to the Diocese of Coventry and its remarkable Cathedral.

"He contributed an enormous amount to the life of church and society in Coventry and Warwickshire over the first 15 years (1992-2007) of his ministry, and the Cathedral's work for peace and reconciliation is deeply in his bones.

"So it will be an enormous joy and privilege to welcome Archbishop Justin back to Coventry and to join him in prayer.

"I hope many people across Coventry, Warwickshire and the region will take this wonderful opportunity to be alongside a person of prayer as he seeks God's strength and vision for all that lies ahead."

Mr Welby will be welcomed in Broadgate at 9am by Lord Mayor Tim Sawdon ahead of a short procession to the cathedral.

The £7 entry fee to the cathedral will be scrapped for the day when there will be prayers and a host of other activities for adults and childre until 3.15pm.

Mr Welby has appointed one of his former colleagues in Coventry as his director for reconciliation.

Canon David Porter will be tasked with stepping up the church's role in bringing an end to global conflicts. He will work part time alongside his similar role at Coventry Cathedral.

"David brings a wealth of experience in reconciliation and peacebuilding from his work in Northern Ireland and through the community of the Cross of Nails in Coventry," said the new Archbishop.

Share This

Regional news »