Archbishop in waiting becomes druid
By Richard Savill
(Filed: 06/08/2002)

The next Archbishop of Canterbury was inducted as an honorary white druid yesterday at an open-air ceremony in Wales reminiscent of a scene from a Monty Python sketch.

Dr Rowan Williams, dismissing suggestions that he was dabbling in paganism, joined blue-hooded druids ranked behind a golden harp to be admitted into the Welsh Gorsedd of Bards.

A trumpet fanfare and a 6ft sword being sheathed and unsheathed launched the ceremony at the National Eisteddfod in St David's, Pembrokeshire. Dr Williams, standing in a circle of stones, wore a long white cloak and headdress.

As he accepted the honour, he clutched the hands of Dr Robyn Lewyes, the chief druid of Wales, between microphones entwined with ivy.

The eccentric imagery added a colourful aspect to the solemn nature of the hour-long event, marking his entry into the organisation of poets, writers, musicians, artists and others who have contributed to Welsh cultural life.

It was one of Dr Williams's last duties as Archbishop of Wales. He was named last month as the successor to Dr George Carey, who retires in October.

Dr Williams - who during the ceremony was given the Bardic name of ap Aneurin - described the award as "one of the greatest honours that Wales can bestow on her citizens". He added: "The suggestion that the Gorsedd is even remotely associated with paganism is deeply offensive."

Earlier, the Rev Angus Macleay, of the Evangelical Reform Group, attacked Dr Williams for pressing ahead with the ceremony, saying: "It will not be helpful to the Gospel."

He told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: "The Archbishop of Canterbury designate needs to consider what other people, non-Welsh members of the Anglican communion, think he is doing.

"How will it help African bishops and pastors seeking to draw people away from paganism to follow Christ when they see him involved in this sort of activity?"

Other members of the Gorsedd - Welsh for throne - include the former Welsh secretary Ron Davies, Robert Croft, the Glamorgan and England cricketer, and the opera singer Bryn Terfel. Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother was also a white druid.

After the ceremony Dr Williams said: "I feel very saddened that some people have reached the wrong conclusion about the ceremony.

"If people had actually looked at the words of the hymns and text used they would have seen a very Christian service."


© Copyright of Telegraph Group Limited 2002. news.telegraph.co.uk Monday, August 12, 2002