A PROGRAMME exploring the Archbishop of Canterbury's
relationship with his cathedral is one of the highlights of the
BBC's religious- broadcasting schedule this Christmas.
On the eve of his retirement from office, Dr Williams will be
interviewed on BBC2 about his ten years in the post. He will
discuss what Canterbury Cathedral has meant to him throughout his
ministry.
The BBC describes Goodbye to Canterbury as "how the art
and architecture of Canterbury Cathedral have been a spiritual
touchstone throughout his ministry; how an-cient stones and relics
are signposts in the modern world; and what this extraordinary
building has to teach his successors".
Dr Williams also features prominently on radio schedules,
giving a final Pause for Thought on Radio 2 on 18
December, and his last Thought for the Day on Radio 4 on
22 December. His last message as Archbishop will be broadcast on
New Year's Day on BBC1.
Today, a new three-part series on Westminster Abbey will begin
on BBC2. The programme looks behind the scenes at the Abbey, and
follows the rhythm of the liturgical calendar from Candlemas to the
preparations of its 250 staff for Christmas.
The head of religion and ethics at the BBC, Aaqil Ahmed, said:
"As we prepare for Christmas, it is fitting that Westminster Abbey
is at the heart of our celebrations, given its unique stature at
the centre of national worship in this country." Other features in
the schedule include a new cycle of mystery plays on Radio 3.
The traditional popular Christmas slots in the radio schedule
will include the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols from King's
College Chapel, Cambridge,at 3 p.m. on Christmas Eve, and the
service on Christmas Day, which will be led by the Bishop of
London, the Rt Revd Richard Chartres, from the chapel of St Peter
ad Vincula in the Tower of London.
Each year, the service from King's features a new carol. The
specially commissioned carol in this year's service is by an
Australian, Carl Vine, the artistic director of Musica Viva
Australia.