THE Archbishop of Canterbury is inviting "as many people as
possible" to join him on a pilgrimage around the province of
Canterbury in the days leading up to his enthronement in Canterbury
Cathedral on 21 March.
The Archbishop's website calls the pilgrimage a "Journey in
Prayer", and says: "The Archbishop will visit one city on each day
of the journey, and spend that day in prayer. Those who join the
Archbishop in prayer will be able to pray in ways that reflect the
broad traditions of Anglican spirituality, and which welcome all
ages."
The pilgrimage will begin in Norwich on 14 March, after a
celebration of the eucharist with the Bishop of Norwich, the Rt
Revd Graham James, and the Bishop's staff.
Archbishop Welby will lead prayers at 11.45 a.m. at the Forum, a
community building in the centre of Norwich, and then walk to
Norwich Cathedral, giving out candles to members of the public
along the way. He will pray in the cathedral from noon to 5.30 p.m.
at several different "stations", a statement from Norwich diocese
said. These include "a children's prayer space, which schools will
be invited to visit; a prayer tree where prayers can be written,
prayed, and hung on the tree; a prayer map and globe to include
prayers for the world-wide Anglican Communion; prayer through text
messages; icons and candles, and music".
Bishop James said: "It will be very good to pray with and for
Archbishop Justin, and to ask God to bless and strengthen him in
his new responsibilities. . . Nothing quite like it has happened
before, and we are busily preparing to make it special. Everyone
who wants to support our new Archbishop will be very welcome."
After visiting Norwich, Archbishop Welby will visit Coventry
diocese, on 15 March; London and Southwark dioceses, on 16 March;
Truro diocese, on 18 March; and Chichester diocese, on 19
March.
Further details of his pilgrimage will be available in due
course on his website (www.archbishopofcanterbury.org).