The Archbishop values the letters and emails that people send to him and is grateful that so many take the trouble to write. He hopes correspondents will understand that because so many letters and emails are sent to him, he is unable to read or reply personally to many of them. In these circumstances he instructs his staff to reply on his behalf, in accordance with agreed policies, and is regularly informed about the nature and content of the incoming correspondence that he does not have the opportunity to see.
Sometimes a particular campaign, public debate or issue will generate a substantial amount of communication from the public, making it impossible for a reply to be issued to each individual correspondent. It is very much hoped that the absence of a reply in such cases will not be interpreted as a discourtesy, or a lack of interest in what they have to say.
If you wish to extend an invitation to the Archbishop, please do so in writing using the details on the contact page. Do bear in mind that there are many demands on the Archbishop's time and as a result he is often unable to accept as many invitations as he would like.
The oldest parts of Lambeth Palace date back to 1197. Morton's Tower, the main entrance to the Palace was constructed in approximately 1490. The Great Hall, now part of Lambeth Palace Library was reconstructed by Archbishop Juxon after 1660. The main sections of the Palace that you will see today were designed by Architect William Blore in 1833. The newest section of the Palace, the Atrium, was opened by The Prince of Wales in the year 2000.
Go to Lambeth Palace on this site for more information about the history of the palace and its different rooms.
The Archbishop is supported by a dedicated team of advisers, administrators and clerical, technical and maintenance staff at Lambeth Palace. Find out more on the staff page.
Certain clergy require the Archbishop’s Permission to Officiate in addition to the diocesan bishop’s authority to officiate (in accordance with the provisions of the Overseas and Other Clergy (Ministry and Ordination) Measure 1967). Clergy who have been ordained by a bishop who is not in the Church of England, Wales, Scotland or Ireland must apply for the Archbishop’s Permission. This includes clergy from other provinces of the Anglican Communion or from churches that have signed the Porvoo Declaration. It also applies to clergy ordained by bishops in churches not in communion with the Church of England but whose orders are recognised and accepted.
Please note that completed application forms should be sent in the first instance to the bishop’s chaplain of the diocese in which the cleric wishes to exercise his/her ministry and not to Lambeth Palace.
