Archbishop set for ‘homecoming’ visit

THE Archbishop of Canterbury is to visit Warwickshire next month.

The Most Reverend Justin Welby will be meeting people throughout the county, which profoundly shaped his mission and ministry for 15 years.

Having been ordained in Coventry Cathedral in 1992, Justin Welby was a curate in Nuneaton and then a rector in Southam.

He later served at Coventry Cathedral from 2002 to 2007, where he became the Canon for Reconciliation Ministry, and a decade later is frequently seen wearing the Coventry Cross of Nails.

He also served as chairman of the South Warwickshire Hospitals NHS Trust.

Archbishop Justin’s visit coincides with the Centenary of the Diocese of Coventry.

The diocese, in its current form, was created in 1918.

The Bishop of Coventry, The Right Reverend Dr Christopher Cocksworth, said: “It’s very exciting to be able to welcome the Archbishop of Canterbury back to the Diocese he knows so well as part of our centenary celebrations.

“There’s much that’s new that we’re looking forward to showing Archbishop Justin but we also want to celebrate the way that we’re trying today what our forebears did in the past, to live out the reconciling, transforming, life-affirming love of God and to share it with all the people of Coventry and Warwickshire.”

The Archbishop’s visit will take place from 2nd to 5th May, during which time he will meet civic and religious leaders, refugees, asylum seekers, farmers, school children, teachers, students, business leaders, performers in the Arts, hospital patients and staff.

There will be three public events: a hog roast at Grange Farm, Grandborough, near Southam, on Thursday, 3rd May, from 6:30 pm, an Ask the Archbishop event for people in their 20s and 30s at All Saint’s Church, Chilvers Coton, Nuneaton, on Friday, 4th May, from 7.30pm, and the Centenary Festival at Coventry Cathedral on Saturday, 5th May. It starts at 10.30am and includes music, drama and activities for all ages.

Admission is free of charge, see www.cov100.org