MORE than 2000 people crammed into choral evensong in Canterbury
Cathedral on Sunday evening to mark the Archbishop of Canterbury's
diocesan farewell.
After the service the Archbishop, with the Dean and Chapter,
processed out of the cathedral before returning for a series of
emotionally charged presentations.
The Bishop of Dover, the Rt Revd Trevor Willmott, told the
Archbishop: "You leave us with love, encouragement, and a longing
to hear more." A Deputy Lieutenant of Kent, Amanda Cottrell,
praised Dr Williams for the "quiet and determined way you have
served us".
Spontaneous standing ovations occurred during Dr Williams's
valedictory speech, in which he said that the diocese had brought
him "the reality of actual people leading lives of discipleship and
ministry, and just getting on", for which he thanked God. He said
that when he visited parishes in the diocese, he would ask: "What
good news do you have for me?" And he said: "I have been richly and
positively answered. I have been privileged to share the hope and
abundant love in the diocese."
He told the congregation: "Without your friendship, love, and
fellowship, I can't imagine how the last ten years would have been
bearable or fruitful."
The service marked the end of Dr Williams's public work in the
diocese. He will preach at the main Christmas Day eucharist, and
will hand over the diocesan crosier after a service at the end of
December that marks the feast of Thomas Becket.
The day before the diocesan farewell, Dr Williams received the
Freedom of the City of Canterbury in recognition of his work in the
local community.