17/06/2015
The Archbishop of Canterbury will tomorrow start a three-day visit to the Diocese of St Albans, where he will be visiting churches and communities and witnessing the work of the Church in the diocese.
During the visit he will preach at St Albans Cathedral and speak with young people about following Jesus.
On Saturday the Archbishop will join a procession of thousands through the streets of St Albans for the annual Alban Pilgrimage - a unique event celebrating Britain's first saint, Alban – and praying for Christians facing persecution today.
Speaking ahead of the pilgrimage, Archbishop Justin said: "As the earliest truth-teller for whom it cost his life, Alban is one of Britain’s greatest witnesses to Jesus.
"I am honoured to join the pilgrimage in the city that bears his name, and to join in prayer for the witness of Christians faced with persecution today."
Later that day he will preach at St Albans Cathedral.
Other highlights of the Archbishop’s trip will include meeting with waterways chaplains, which minister to people living on waterways, and attending a reception of civic and interfaith leaders.
Elsewhere he will speak at a worship event for young people in Stevenage, and take part in a dialogue on world mission at St Albans Cathedral.
The Archbishop will also meet with members of the farming community, and speak with students at a Church of England secondary school.
During the visit he will also meet and talk with local clergy and lay ministers on how to sustain ministry, and share breakfast with pioneer ministers.
Archbishop Justin makes several visits to southern dioceses of the Church of England each year. Other recent visits have included the dioceses of Birmingham and Bristol.