THE ARCHBISHOP of Canterbury enjoyed a whistle-stop trip around his former home city this week.
The Most Reverend Justin Welby, former canon at Coventry Cathedral, visited educational institutes around the city as part of his tour of places around the country which are working towards reconcilliation and peace.
Following morning prayers and study at Coventry Rugby Club with members of the diocese and Lord Mayor, Coun Hazel Noonan, the Archbishop visted Bluecoat Church of England School & Music College.
There he talked with students who have been involved with the Community of the Cross of Nails network before taking part in the litany of reconciliation around the cross at the school’s entrance and enjoying a brief performance by the Blue Coat School Choir.
Assistant Headteacher at the school, Matthew Connor-Hemming said: “We were very excited about the Archbishop’s visit in this, our tercentenary year.
“We were particularly looking forward to welcoming Archbishop Justin Welby, whose son Peter was Deputy Head Boy, back to our school, as they were so much part of our community.”
In the afternoon, the Archbishop visited Bablake School, where he attended a reception with 12 local faith leaders and head teachers of local schools involved in peace and reconciliation work across the city.
Bablake’s own Reverned Sacha Slavic, who organised the visit to the school, said that it marked a very proud occasion for the Bablake community.
He added: “What better way than to invite children, faith leaders and others to engage in dialogue.
“We are so pleased that Archbishop Justin with his track record and commitment to peace and unity and a busy schedule will enhance this agenda by his presence.”
Mr Welby later gave a lecture at Coventry University entitled ‘Can we build communties of trust and peace?’, before attending a special ceremony in which he was presented with an Award of Merit from Coventry City Council.
The Most Reverend Justin Welby visited Coventry yesterday. s
The Archbishop he talked with students who have been involved with the Community of the Cross of Nails network at Bluecoat C of E School in the morning. s
