THE new Archbishop of Canterbury will be enthroned on Thursday (March 21).

The Most Reverend Justin Welby, who was previously Bishop of Durham, will complete his move to become earthly leader of the worldwide Anglican Communion in a 3pm service in Canterbury Cathedral.

The former oil financier, who has twice guest edited The Northern Echo, is currently on a tour of the province of Canterbury, which covers much of southern England, the Channel Islands and parishes in other European nations.

Thursday’s service will be attended by about 2,000 guests, including Prince Charles, the Duchess of Cornwall, the Prime Minister and archbishops and bishops from around the world.

But Archbishop Welby said: “I’m not nervous. I’m very conscious it’s going to be a very big day but it’s exciting.”

The Northern Echo will be represented at Thursday’s service. See Friday’s paper for a full report and pictures.