The Most Rev Justin Welby is confirmed as the 105th Archbishop of Canterbury in the presence of Prince Charles and David Cameron.
The Most Rev Justin Welby has been enthroned as the new Archbishop of Canterbury at the city’s cathedral.
The service – which featured Punjabi music, African dancers and drummers and an organ improvisation – was attended by dignitaries including Prince Charles and Prime Minister David Cameron.
The ceremony developed despite protesters gathering earlier outside Canterbury Cathedral, demonstrating against cuts to public services and the so-called bedroom tax.
Mr Welby arrived at the West Door of the cathedral, dressed in a cope, stole and mitre made from gold-coloured silk.
He then performed the symbolic act of striking the door three times with the end of his staff, formally requesting admission.
In his enthronement address, the archbishop warned against abandoning the church, saying improvements in working conditions, the creation of the NHS and the abolition of slavery were a result of “Christ-liberated courage”.
“Today we may properly differ on the degrees of state and private responsibility in a healthy society,” he said.
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