Archbishop of Canterbury Visiting Christchurch

31 Oct 2012

The Most Reverend and Right Honourable Dr Rowan Williams is in the country for the meeting of the Anglican Consultative Council in Auckland, an international advisory body to the worldwide Anglican Communion. He will visit Christchurch on the 3rd and 4th of November.

The Anglican Bishop of Christchurch, Bishop Victoria Matthews, says since the earthquakes began the Archbishop has expressed his support and prayers for the people of Canterbury. "The Archbishop wrote to me following the December 23rd aftershocks conscious that it was a huge blow to our spirit. His visit comes at a time when we still grieve for what we have lost and Archbishop Rowan will speak about holding onto hope and healing," says Bishop Matthews.

The Archbishop will be welcomed at Te Hui Amorangi o Te Waipounamu, in the Whakaruruhau Chapel in Phillipstown on the Saturday afternoon, led by the Anglican Maori Bishop of the South Island, Bishop John Gray. Following the powhiri the Archbishop will briefly speak at 'The Concert' at AMI Stadium. The music concert is focused on people who make a difference in their community.

On the Sunday the Archbishop will preach at a 9am service at Christ's College Chapel, the current home of the Cathedral community. In addition to seating in the chapel, the public is invited to sit outdoors (BYO chair) at the College, as good amplification of the service is planned.

He will tour some Eastern suburbs and the central city before attending a service at St Christopher's in Avonhead. Dr Williams will participate in a 2.00pm Service of the Word at St Christopher’s Church, Avonhead.

There will be a time following the service to speak with the younger generation of Anglicans.

Message to Bishop Victoria after Dec 23 2011 earthquakes.

Up to date information on what the Archbishop of Canterbury is involved in as part of the ACC meeting can be read on the Anglican Taonga Website