In pictures: Archbishop of Canterbury's enthronement
- Published
The Archbishop of Canterbury, the Most Reverend Justin Welby, dressed in his ceremonial robes, entered Canterbury Cathedral after knocking on the door three times, as tradition dictates.
As the Archbishop of Canterbury entered the cathedral, he was greeted by a fanfare and questioned by Evangeline Kanagasooriam, a young member of the congregation. He replied: "I am Justin, a servant of Jesus Christ."
Archbishop Welby is taking on several roles within the Church. He becomes the diocesan bishop of Canterbury, head of the southern province of the Church of England, senior bishop of all England and spiritual leader of the worldwide Anglican communion.
Archbishop Welby swore he would observe the customs of Canterbury Cathedral by kissing the Canterbury Gospels.
The archbishop was first installed on the diocesan throne by the Venerable Sheila Watson, the Archdeacon Canterbury, the first woman to enthrone an Archbishop of Canterbury.
The archbishop took the hand of the Dean of Canterbury, the Very Rev Robert Willis, while he sat in the chair of Augustine. The chair has been used for enthronements since about the 13th Century.
The assembled members of the clergy applauded as the archbishop was officially installed as the 105th Archbishop of Canterbury.
Archbishop Welby's colourful vestments were originally designed and made for the late Bishop of Peterborough, the Most Rev Ian Cundy - his former tutor. It is one of many personal touches the archbishop insisted upon for the service.
About 2,000 guests - including the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall - witnessed the enthronement and the congregation included senior politicians and religious leaders from around the world.
Orthodox Christians were among the religions represented.
The 900-year old Canterbury Cathedral is the mother church of the Anglican communion. It was founded by St Augustine, the first Archbishop of Canterbury, who was sent to England as a Christian missionary by Pope Gregory the Great in 597 AD.
More than 50 protesters, opposed to UK government cuts to public services, gathered outside Christchurch Gate on Thursday morning amid tight security ahead of the enthronement.