Archbishop visits St Philip's Centre
The Archbishop of Canterbury, the Most Revd Doctor Rowan Williams, came to Leicester yesterday in his role as patron of the St Philips Centre. St Philip’s Church is celebrating it’s 100th anniversary, and it was an ideal opportunity for the Archbishop to visit the centre, meet with representatives of many faiths and deliver a talk on Faith in Public Life.
Published: 23/10/2009
In the course of a difficult week, the Archbishop managed to do what he does so well, to listen to and engage with people who may not agree with him but respect him enormously. In a speech described by the media present as ‘inspiring’ he spoke of inter-faith dialogue, that it should not be ‘exotic’ but the norm.
To a group of over 150 people, including faith leaders and civic leaders, he said” What kills community relations is mistrust and even the littlest amount of trust is better than none.” He indicated that what we have in common is of more value than what divides us. In a remarkably candid and personal moment he spoke of his parents generation, and the way that what was acceptable opinion and language has changed and developed since he was a child. We can be confident that society does have different standards now, and should build on this fact.
There were wide ranging questions from the audience, seeking his advice and opinion, and later led a celebratory Eucharist at the church. The Archbishop said that coming to Leicester was always a pleasure and he very much enjoyed being part of St Philips.
Pictured (left to right): Canon Guy Wilkinson, Archbishop's Interfaith Advisor; Ven Richard Atkinson, Archdeacon of Leicester; Most Revd Rowan Williams, Archbishop of Canterbury; Rt Revd Tim Stevens, Bishop of Leicester; Canon Alan Race, St Philip's Church; Canon Andrew Wingate, Director St Philip's Centre.