Archbishop - tribute to Public Affairs Secretary
Tuesday 6th September 2005
The Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, has paid tribute to his outgoing Secretary for Public Affairs and Deputy Head of Staff, Jeremy Harris, who is leaving Lambeth Palace after seven years to take up a new position next month as Director of Public Affairs at Oxford University.Dr Williams said, "Jeremy has been an invaluable colleague and friend. The range of his experience and skill has made a real difference to my own ministry and he has brought a very keen intelligence to bear on many issues in church and society.
"I shall greatly miss his support and insight but I'm delighted that these gifts have been recognised by Oxford. This appointment is no small tribute to his achievement during his time at Lambeth."
Jeremy Harris was appointed Secretary for Public Affairs and Deputy Head of Staff in 1998 by the previous Archbishop, Lord Carey of Clifton. His responsibilities have included developing and managing relationships between Lambeth Palace and the monarchy, government, parliament, the media, foreign embassies, charities, the education sector and the business community.
Mr Harris said: "It will be a great wrench to leave Lambeth Palace but I am sure it is the right time to take on a new challenge. I have been lucky enough to serve two Archbishops of Canterbury and their ministry. That experience has been a privilege and a blessing for which I shall always be grateful. Throughout that time the Church and Communion have enjoyed outstanding leadership and under Archbishop Rowan could not be in better hands for the exciting opportunities that lie ahead."