Dr Williams joins a World Council comprising eminent religious leaders representing the world's diverse faith communities. They lead the global Religions for Peace network, which seeks to advance just and harmonious societies by working to stop war, end poverty and protect the earth.

"The Archbishop of Canterbury's assumption of Co-Presidency in Religions for Peace is extremely timely," noted His Royal Highness Prince Hassan bin-Talal, the President Emeritus of Religions for Peace. "Multi-religious cooperation is especially needed whenever religious communities are being misused to advance violence."

"Religious leaders of different faiths recognize that the Archbishop of Canterbury combines theological acumen, a strong commitment to the common good and a principled approach to multi-religious cooperation, said The Rev. Leonid Kishkovsky, the Moderator of Religions for Peace. "He will bring these gifts to his leadership in Religions for Peace, as he gives voice to the shared commitments of the world-wide Anglican community."

The Chief Rabbi of Israel, Yonah Metzger, congratulated the Archbishop on his election, citing the critical importance of creating multi-religious structures that can advance moral solidarity among religious communities, particularly in the Holy Land.

Dr. Vinu Aram, the Director of the Shanti Ashram in India, and a Vice Moderator of Religions for Peace, stated that "the religious communities in Asia—including Hinduism and Buddhism—see the Archbishop's joining Religions for Peace as a bridge for cooperation between the religious communities in the East and West.

Dr. William Vendley, the Secretary General of Religions for Peace, noted that "the leadership of the Archbishop would strengthen Religions for Peace action on the ground in some of the most troubled and conflict ridden places on earth."