Archbishop's visit to Birmingham reflects city's cultural diversity

The Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams is in Birmingham for a two-day visit this weekend that will take in one local church's new family centre in a multi-cultural neighbourhood and a visit to a Hindu temple.

Dr Rowan Williams will begin his visit by officially opening The Springfield Centre at St Christopher's Church in the ethnically diverse area of Springfield.

"The Springfield Centre is a further example of the Church of England's Presence & Engagement programme, which emphasises the positive contribution of parish churches in multi religious neighbourhoods," he said.

The Springfield Centre is the fruit of The Springfield Project, a £2 million community project established in 2000 by St Christopher's Church and primarily financed and built by Birmingham City Council as the home of the Springfield Children's Centre, a 'one stop shop' provision for families with children under the age of five.

The Archbishop will take part in a service of thanksgiving at St Christopher's together with members of the congregation and others from the local community and give a homily.

After a ribbon-cutting ceremony the Archbishop will join children to create a plaque made of handprints to celebrate the opening of the centre, and meet 8 to 13-year-olds from an after-school project who have written a rap to mark the official opening. He will also meet parents and children who use the Family Support service, members of Seedlings Stay and Play group, and children and families who attend Mini Springers Nursery.

During his visit the Archbishop will also meet Dr Andrew Smith, leader of the Youth Encounter Centre which trains Christian youth workers based in multi-faith settings.

The Archbishop will later visit the Venkataswara Temple in the Diocese of Lichfield, where he will unveil a plaque to commemorate his visit and the friendship between Christian and Hindu communities in the UK.

Representatives of the major faiths in the UK and Mr Shiv Kumar Mukherjee, High Commissioner of India, will be among the guests present.

The Archbishop will be welcomed in the traditional Thirupathi manner with a garland and will be given a tour of the interior of the temple where he will meet members of the temple community, although he will not engage in any religious ceremonies while at the temple.

In his recent Diwali message, the Archbishop said, "I warmly welcome the invitation by the trustees of the temple, and at this time of year my visit will carry particular significance.

"My hope for this year ahead is that in the spirit of looking to the light, we shall be able to find reconciliation where there has been division and hurt and work for peace and the rejection of all resort to violence."

On Sunday, the Archbishop will preach at a service at St Philip's Cathedral, with the Bishop of Birmingham, the Rt Rev David Urquhart, presiding.

"I am delighted to welcome the Archbishop to the city and join him as he visits the region," said Bishop Urquhart. "There is much to celebrate in this city and region of faiths where God is taken seriously and faith communities listen, respect and appreciate each other."

Dr Williams will also meet with the Birmingham Faith Leaders Group at the City Hall.