Meridian Religion News

Religious leaders from across the globe are set to join royalty and senior politicians for the enthronement of the Archbishop of Canterbury.

The Most Rev Justin Welby will formally begin his public ministry as head of the Church of England, spiritual leader of the 77-million strong Anglican Communion and 105th Archbishop of Canterbury at a service in Canterbury Cathedral.

The Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall as well as Prime Minister David Cameron will be among around 2,000 people attending the ceremony.

Those also in the congregation will include representatives of major world religions including Muslims, Jews and Sikhs and senior figures from the Roman Catholic and orthodox churches.

The event marks the formal reception of the Most Rev Welby, 57, at Canterbury, the mother church of the Church of England and of the Anglican Communion.

• UK
• Archbishop of Canterbury
• Canterbury Cathedral

The Most Rev Justin Welby said he believes a woman will one day be made archbishop and added that some gay couples have loving relationships of "stunning quality", ahead of today's enthronement.

The head of the Church of England told Channel 5 News he thought there would be a female archbishop one day in spite of the defeat of women bishops legislation last November.

Pressed on the timing, he said: "Oh, I have no idea...when the right person turns up. But, yes, I think there certainly will."

In a separate interview with BBC News, the Most Rev Welby backed traditional Church teaching on homosexuality but said: "You see gay relationships that are just stunning in the quality of the relationship."

Read: Confident new Archbishop begins his difficult task

• UK
• Religion
• Justin Welby

The Most Rev Justin Welby has given his "profound thanks" to everyone preparing for his enthronement as the Archbishop of Canterbury.

Out early this morning, Canterbury is beautiful, human scale and history falling out of the walls everywhere. Grateful to be here.

From @ABCJustin on Twitter: ( 7:33 am, Thu 21 Mar 2013)

Everywhere signs of preparation for the service today on Canterbury. So many people working so hard, profound thanks to them all, incl media

From @ABCJustin on Twitter: ( 7:35 am, Thu 21 Mar 2013)

Read: Confident new Archbishop begins his difficult task.

• UK
• Religion
• Justin Welby

From knocking on the door to blessing the congregation, via a song from India. The Very Rev Robert Willis, Dean of Canterbury Cathedral, talks us through Thursday's enthronement ceremony for the 105th Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby.

• UK
• Justin Welby
• Archbishop of Canterbury

The story of one of Canterbury's former archbishops is to be etched onto glass. St Alphege was martyred a thousand years ago after the Danes invaded and stormed Canterbury. A new memorial is planned for the church in Whitstable which bears his name.

Twelve, one metre-high glass panes are to be etched with the key events in the saint's life and death.

In his report David Johns spoke to Rachel Webbley, Vicar of St Alphege Church; Sonia McNally, the artist; Hilary Powell, a medieval historian; and Jon Scott, a jogger who is one of the models featuring in the artwork.

• UK
• Religion
• St Alphege

The Church of England should be "deeply ashamed" of its failure to protect children from sex abuse.

Those are the words of Dr Martin Warner - the new Bishop of Chichester - speaking to ITV Meridian today.

The Diocese of Chichester serves both East and West Sussex and the city of Brighton and Hove.

The Bishop has also defended his decision to vote against women becoming bishops. Malcolm Shaw reports.

• UK
• Bishop of Chichester
• Sussex

Children at the Frimley Park Hospital in Surrey received sweet treats thanks to the generosity of local bikers.

• UK
• religion
• Easter

• UK
• religion
• Easter