Hundreds attend Archbishop's service at Worcester Cathedral

Justin Welby, the Archbishop of Canterbury, toured across Worcestershire today (Saturday) and met residents across the diocese. 

As well as Worcester, Archbishop Welby attended services in Dudley, Pershore, to pray for the Diocese and peace and justice throughout the world in 2024 and beyond.

The service took place in Worcester Cathedral. (Image: James Atkinson)Speaking with the Worcester News, The Most Revd Welby shared his thoughts on the city after his service in the cathedral.

He said: "It has been a day totally about prayer - not about politics or anything like that - just about worship, and it's been wonderful.

"There is something really special coming into an Abbey Cathedral like this. 

"Worcester is a lovely place, and it is full of rich and beautiful buildings. 

The Archbishop stood in prayer. (Image: James Atkinson)"Like everywhere you can see in the high street, there is a need for revitalisation, and the church and community have been doing a lot of work in resolving this."

In his Worcester service, he answered a Q&A about prayers and joked about praying on the day of King Charles' coronation to ensure he did not drop the crown in front of the nation. 

Crowds sang hymns and prayed. (Image: James Atkinson)He had joined everyone in several prayers and sang hymns.

During the service, The Bishop of Worcester, John Inge, said: "People have come in large numbers to be with the Archbishop of Canterbury.

Over 200 people attended the service. (Image: James Atkinson)"I would also like to give a big thank you to the Archbishop, Justin Welby, for being with us to accompany us in prayer and encourage us in prayer. 

"We have had a wonderful day."

Worcester was the Archbishop's final stop on his tour, and before visiting the Faithful City, he had led a service in Pershore Abbey and was given a cross by the children at Himbleton C of E First School.

He said receiving the cross from the children was one of his favourite moments of the day.