New Archbishop of Canterbury enthroned

Christian leaders from around the world were joining leading politicians and the Prince of Wales at the enthronement of the Archbishop of Canterbury today.

Dr Rowan Williams was formally beginning his public ministry as leader of 70 million Anglicans worldwide and 104th Archbishop at the service in

Canterbury Cathedral.

Representatives from the major faiths in Britain including Jews, Muslims, Hindus, Sikhs and Buddhists were also due to attend the service.

The ceremony marks the formal reception of Dr Williams at Canterbury, the mother church of the Church of England and of the Anglican Communion.

It is the last stage in his appointment following his confirmation of election in December last year at St Paul's Cathedral.

Those attending included Cardinal Walter Kasper, from the Vatican, and Cardinal Cormac Murphy-O'Connor, the Archbishop of Westminster and leader of Roman Catholics in England and Wales.

Archbishop Gregorios of Thyateira and Great Britain, of the Greek Orthodox Church, was due to read a prayer at the ceremony.

The representatives of the Patriarchs - senior clergymen of the eastern church - of Antioch, Moscow, Bulgaria, Romania and Serbia, were also going to be present.

The post of Archbishop of Canterbury combines several roles.

Dr Williams is diocesan bishop of Canterbury,

head of the southern province of the Church of England and senior bishop of all England.

He is also leader of the Anglican communion worldwide.

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