Archbishop of Canterbury to receive Freedom of the City of Swansea

By ENS staff, July 30, 2010 [Episcopal News Service] Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams will be presented with the Freedom of the City of Swansea at a July 31 ceremony in the Welsh city's Guildhall, according to a press release from Lambeth Palace.

Williams was born in Swansea on June 14, 1950 and attended the state school Dynevor School in the city.

The Lord Mayor of Swansea, Richard Lewis, said the ceremony was Swansea's way of recognizing one of its most famous sons. "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," he said, according to the release. "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."

The freedom ceremony will be followed by a celebratory service at St. Mary's Church in the presence of many bishops and clergy, including Bishop John Davies of Swansea and Brecon.

"Archbishop Rowan's connections with and his fondness for Swansea and its people are well-known and widely appreciated," said Davies, according to the release. "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."