3 Nov 2012

Archbishop of Canterbury visits Christchurch

8:06 am on 3 November 2012

The Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams begins a visit to Christchurch on Saturday in a gesture of support for the people of the quake-damaged city.

Dr Williams has been the head of the Anglican Church for 10 years and is standing down to take up a position at Cambridge University. His trip to New Zealand is his final international duty.

He will receive an official Maori welcome at 5pm before speaking at a concert for volunteers who have been doing work in the community.

On Sunday, he will attend a service at Christ's College before taking a tour of the central city and the eastern suburbs.

The Archbishop will give a presidential address to the Anglican Consultative Council on Monday.