Lambeth Palace has today released details of a visit by the Archbishop of Canterbury to Coventry and Warwickshire in May. The Most Reverend Justin Welby will be meeting people throughout the city and county which profoundly shaped his mission and ministry for fifteen years.

Having been ordained in Coventry Cathedral in 1992, Justin Welby was a curate in Nuneaton and then a rector in Southam.  He later served at Coventry Cathedral from 2002 to 2007, where he became the Canon for Reconciliation Ministry.  A decade later is frequently seen wearing the Coventry Cross of Nails.

Archbishop Justin is returning home to help celebrate the Centenary of the Diocese of Coventry.  The diocese, in its current form, was created in 1918.  At the same time, the old parish church of St Michael became the cathedral of the new diocese.

He is returning to Coventry and Warwickshire at the invitation of the Bishop of Coventry, who says:

"It's very exciting to be able to welcome the Archbishop of Canterbury back to the Diocese he knows so well as part of our centenary celebrations. There’s much that’s new that we’re looking forward to showing Archbishop Justin but we also want to celebrate the way that we’re trying today what our forebears did in the past – to live out the reconciling, transforming, life-affirming love of God and to share it with all the people of Coventry and Warwickshire."

From 2nd to 5th May, Archbishop Justin will be meeting civic and religious leaders, refugees, asylum seekers, farmers, school children, teachers, students, business leaders, performers in the Arts, hospital patients and staff.

The general public will also have an opportunity to hear and meet the archbishop at three events.

• There will be a hog roast at Highfield Farm, Frankton (between Rugby and Southam) on Thursday 3 May.  The event starts at 6:30 pm.
• 'Ask the Archbishop' is an event for people in their 20s and 30s at All Saint’s Church, Chilvers Coton (Nuneaton) on Friday 4 May.  It starts at 7:30 pm and includes an opportunity for questions from the audience.
• The main highlight of the archbishop’s visit will be a Centenary Festival at Coventry Cathedral on Saturday 5 May.  The festival starts at 10:30 am and includes music, drama and activities for all ages.

Admission to all three events are free of charge, and further information can be found online at cov100.org