Final Farewell for Former Archbishop of Wales

The funeral of the Rt Rev Alwyn Rice Jones, former Archbishop of Wales, will take place at 2pm today at St Asaph Cathedral.

Rice Jones was held the top post in the Church in Wales between 1991 and 1999, during which time he controversially led the Church to accept women priests.

Earlier this year, he took part in the 10th anniversary celebrations and had the honour of cutting the cake to mark the occasion.

Rice Jones also had a keen interest in issues outside the traditional realm of the Church, arguing the case for Welsh devolution, and joining with other the leaders of the Anglican, Methodist and Roman Catholic denominations in submitting a joint petition in 1993 against Government proposals to add VAT to domestic fuel.

In 1997, Rice Jones surprised many Christians when he said that the law which upheld compulsory prayer and worship in school assemblies should be scrapped because children were joining in them out of compulsion rather than their own volition.

Less controversially, he transformed the inner workings of the Church by encouraging clergy and laity to work more closely together in ministry.

Bishop Stuart Davies said: "He had a sense that the Church was greater than its clergy, greater than its bishops so he wanted to involve every level of Church life in any proposals to church growth and mission.

"I think his legacy will be a strengthening of links across the Church and with other Churches and a confidence in the Church and its future."

A man who knew his own mind, Rice Jones also knew how to share a laugh with whoever he encountered in his day to day life, setting his trademark bushy eyebrows frequently in motion.

Tributes have poured in from clergy across England and Wales since the death of the popular Archbishop at his home in St Asaph, Denbighshire, last week.

The present Archbishop of Wales, Dr Barry Morgan, said that Rice Jones was "warm and engaging".

Archbishop Williams said Rice Jones had been an inspiration: "Alwyn Rice Jones led the Church in Wales with courage and warmth and vision through some challenging years. I think that all would agree that he was one of the most entirely loveable of church leaders. My own debt to him for his inspiration and encouragement is enormous."

Dean of St Asaph, the Very Rev Christopher Potter will lead the funeral service, while Dr Morgan will give the address.

Rice Jones leaves behind his wife Meriel, daughter Nia and two grandchildren.