In a statement released this afternoon he paid tribute to Dr Badawi's leadership and learning and praised his contribution to Christian-Muslim dialogue.

"The news of the death of Sheikh Zaki Badawi has come as a great shock and sorrow to all in the Church who have worked with him in inter Faith dialogue over the years. Everyone who has experienced his keen intelligence, his personal wit, grace and generosity, and the depth of his commitment will feel his loss. He has been for so many people a uniquely effective interpreter of Islam as a tradition of faith that is eirenic, profound and sophisticated."

"I shall miss him very greatly as a friend who has contributed immensely to the continuing labour of building bridges between the Christian Church and the Muslim world - but also simply as someone whose company was a delight and whose commitment was an inspiration. With all his Christian friends and colleagues, I want to assure his family - and the wider family of British Muslims - of our love and sympathy, and our abiding gratitude for his life."

Dr Williams' statement came just hours before a major gathering of Christians and Muslims at Lambeth Palace to mark the launch of the Christian Muslim Forum; Dr Badawi had agreed to serve as an adviser to the Forum and was due to have attended the event.