Pupils at a Cynon Valley school will be taught RE by two experts in the field next week (March 23) – the Archbishop of Canterbury and the Archbishop of Wales.
The two senior church leaders are spending a morning at St. John Baptist School, Aberdare, following an invitation from the pupils last year.
They will join them for their morning service, teach A-Level Religious Education to Year 13 pupils, and be quizzed on a range of topics by younger pupils.
It will be the first time in the history of the school that an Archbishop of Canterbury has visited. He will be accompanied by a regular visitor and great supporter of the school, Dr Barry Morgan, the Archbishop of Wales.
Pupils persuaded the Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, to visit the school when they interviewed him at Westminster Abbey at a service to mark the bicentenary of The National Society.
As Mason Morgan, Head Boy said of that interview in Westminster, “It was an incredible experience to interview the Archbishop of Canterbury and the Archbishop of Wales, as we were able to pose deep and complicated questions about the Church and our personal faith and beliefs. We were truly amazed by the humility, honesty and speed of their answers and the ease with which they answered such deep questions. We also like to think that we made quite an impression on the Archbishop of Canterbury with him returning the favour as he has chosen to visit us during his official trip to Wales this year!”
A Year 7 pupil said, “I’ve only seen him on the television but it will be awesome to ask him questions. I want to ask him, what is the most amazing part of his work and what is the hardest part of it?” Anna Dalley, a Year 10 pupil added, “ It will be amazing to be in a service led by the leader of the Anglican church.”
Dr Susan Mitchell, Head Teacher, said, “We are absolutely delighted and thrilled about the forthcoming visit. This will be an inspirational and most elating day which we are awaiting with great eagerness. For me personally it will also be one of the highlights of my personal and professional life.
“The Christian ethos is at the heart of our school life and it is a great honour and privilege to have the worldwide leader of the Anglican Communion at our school, and the Archbishop of Wales who regularly spends time with pupils and staff at the school. Pupils and staff are excited about meeting, and spending time with them and listening to their views. I am proudly anticipating that the Archbishops will be impressed by the caring and kind nature of our pupils as well as their knowledge and understanding of worldwide issues.”
