The choice of venue and date for the next conference follows a meeting between Dr Williams and the Lambeth Conference Design Group, an international panel of advisers which is chaired by Archbishop Sir Ellison Pogo, Archbishop of Melanesia. The group reported on its examination of options both for the conference and possible associated events, including a review of financial and logistical considerations. The Design Group recommended Canterbury as the conference venue for 2008.

Dr Williams said: "New times require a new kind of Lambeth Conference and I am grateful to Archbishop Ellison and the Design Group for the innovative work that they have done. I have great hopes that the Lambeth Conference in 2008 will equip and empower the leadership of our church for participation in the Mission of God in the world."

Archbishop Ellison said that the group had tackled their work with enthusiasm:

"The design group is tremendously excited about the new vision for the Lambeth Conference put forward by the Archbishop of Canterbury. We look forward to working with him to help the bishops of the Anglican Communion be better equipped to fulfil God's mission."

The Lambeth Conference, which draws together Anglican Communion bishops from around the globe, is convened by the Archbishop of Canterbury normally once a decade. The last conference took place in 1998. The city of Canterbury has been the venue for the last three conferences.

The Conference takes its name from the first meeting, which was convened at Lambeth Palace by Archbishop Longley in 1867. The 2008 conference will be the fourteenth such gathering.

Further details about the 2008 conference will be announced in due course.