LONDON, England -- Dr. Rowan Williams has been inaugurated as the 104th Archbishop of Canterbury. In a formal ceremony at London’s St Paul’s Cathedral, nine bishops of the Church of England confirmed the election of Rowan Douglas Williams as Archbishop of Canterbury by the Dean and Chapter of Canterbury Cathedral. Dr. Williams now gains the title and manner of the office.
Dr Williams said, "It's a very humbling thing to be included in this long succession of Archbishops and a very humbling thing to be aware of the trust that has been placed in my hands.
"I pray for God's guidance as I seek to meet this new challenge - a challenge I face with a sense of inadequacy but also with hope, with joy and with enthusiasm. I am deeply grateful for all the support that has been given to me and the prayers that are being offered."
Dr. Williams and his family will move to Lambeth Palace by the end of the month. He will be formally inaugurated in Canterbury Cathedral on February 27, 2003, to begin his full ministry as the Archbishop of Canterbury.
By Pauline J.
pjang@chtoday.com