Rowan Williams has been enthroned as the new Archbishop of Canterbury amidst plaudits from religious leaders and the protests of a few conservative critics. Christians travelled from around the world to witness the ceremony, which made him the spiritual leader of the Church of England and Anglicans worldwide.
During the ceremony he was seated on the marble throne of St Augustine, the first archbishop of Canterbury. Prince Charles was present, as a representative for the Queen and high profile figures from Britain's main spiritual faiths also turned out, including Roman Catholic, Jewish, Muslim, Hindu, Sikh and Buddhist leaders.
While the ceremony passed in a smooth unfolding of tradition, there were some boos from demonstrators outside protesting progressive ideas.
The softly-spoken leader has emphasised his commitment to be an archbishop for the people, however. He has openly challenged the church's position on homosexuality and called for the appointment of women bishops. "No archbishop is anything without being anchored in the life of local groups of people simply trying to be Christian together in prayer and action," he said recently.
The former Cambridge lecturer, who describes himself as a "hairy lefty", has also drawn criticism by questioning the legitimacy of war in Iraq.
Photo: © Alphapress.com
Photo: © Alphapress.com
