Hope welcomes new Archbishop

Dr David Hope, speaking to the Evening Press before this afternoon's ceremony at Canterbury Cathedral, welcomed the arrival of Dr Williams as his new colleague after "holding the fort" single-handedly since George Carey stepped down last October.

"Of course there has been even more than usual to do, but I have been very

grateful for the support and hard work of so many people," said Dr Hope.

His role during this afternoon's event, due to take place before a packed congregation including the Prince of Wales and Prime Minister Tony Blair, includes inviting Dr Williams to make the historic Declaration of Assent.

"I will invite the Archbishop to make this declaration which sets out the Church of England as part of the one Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church," said Dr Hope.

"These big services are always an opportunity for us to show what the Church of England can do as the National Church, but at the heart of the Enthronement is an intensely personal challenge to each of us to do what God is calling us to do.

"It is a very special day, not only for the Church of England, but also for

the Anglican Communion throughout the world."

The Williams/Hope partnership is expected to have a different feel to that of the Carey/Hope era. Both come from an essentially catholic background, although there are clear contrasts in their opinions on certain issues.

The situation in Iraq is concentrating the prayers of both archbishops. Dr Hope introduced a General Synod debate on Tuesday fully endorsing the joint statement last week of the Archbishop of Canterbury and the Roman Catholic Archbishop of Westminster.

He said today that he joined with other church leaders in urging people to observe next Wednesday, Ash Wednesday, as a day of prayer and fasting for peace.

"Indeed, it is my hope that many churches and individuals across North Yorkshire will support this call."

Updated: 11:09 Thursday, February 27, 2003