The Archbishop of Canterbury is to receive the highest honour his home city of Swansea can bestow – the Freedom of the City.
Dr Rowan Williams will be following in the footsteps of people such as former US President Jimmy Carter, footballer John Charles and military organisations including HMS Scott and The Royal Welsh Regiment (Royal Welch Fusiliers) when he receives the award at a special ceremony later this month.
Swansea Council agreed earlier this year to bestow the Freedom of the City to Dr Williams, who has been leader of the Anglican Communion since 2003.
The Council said Dr Williams has a long association with Swansea and remains a great supporter of the area.
He is due to accept the honour at a ceremonial Full Council in the city’s Guildhall on July 31, which will be followed by a celebratory Service at St Mary’s Church in the city afterwards.
The Lord Mayor of Swansea, Cllr Richard Lewis, said the Freedom Ceremony was Swansea’s way of recognising one of its most famous sons.
He said: “Dr Williams is a true son of Swansea and he’s always maintained his links with the city over the years. He was educated at Dynefor School in the city before going on to Cambridge.
“Dr Williams is the first Welshman to hold the post of Archbishop of Canterbury and he is now one of the best-known clergymen in the world.”
Following the civic ceremony at the Guildhall, St Mary’s church will be packed with admirers of Rowan Williams.
Those present will include Bishops and many clergy and among them will be John Davies, the Bishop of Swansea and Brecon. Leaders of other Christian denominations in the city including the Bishop Thomas Burns of the Roman Catholic diocese of Minevia will also be there.
Bishop John said: “Archbishop Rowan’s connections with and his fondness for Swansea and its people are well-known and widely appreciated.
“That a son of the Diocese of Swansea and Brecon, whose growing faith was nurtured by some of its clergy, has gone on to become not only one of the world’s most distinguished theologians but also to hold the highest office in the Anglican Church is, without doubt, a source of great pride for both City and Diocese.”
