Archbishop to visit European Institutions
Friday 4th November 2005
The Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams is to visit the European Institutions in Brussels next week culminating with a call on the President of the Commission, President José Manuel Durão Barrosa on Tuesday afternoon.In the course of a three-day visit Dr Williams will hold meetings and consultations with politicians and officials from the European institutions, deliver a major lecture - Religion, culture, diversity and tolerance - shaping the new Europe - , meet with the President of the European Parliament, President Josep Borrell Fontelles, and spend time with the Anglican community at the Pro Cathedral of Holy Trinity in Brussels.
The visit comes two months after Dr Williams addressed political and religious leaders at a conference organised by the Sant' Egidio community in Lyons, where he spoke on questions raised of the European political institutions by faith communities and also took part in a forum on the future of Europe.
Dr Williams said that he was looking forward to the trip
"I welcome the opportunity of engaging with the European Institutions and learning more about the challenges we face in a rapidly-changing continent."
The Archbishop will be accompanied by the Rt Revd Geoffrey Rowell, Bishop of the Church of England diocese of Gibraltar in Europe.
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