St George's Hall, Liverpool

The Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr. George Carey has warned of the dangers of the "virtual" world of the Internet becoming a substitute for real relationships and communities.

In a major address on "Christianity and Citizenship", Dr. Carey said: "Increasingly, we are not only citizens of the world but also citizens of the world-wide web.

"Clearly the access to information and the ability to tap resources not otherwise available can be a potent tool of empowerment. But it can also be exclusive and isolating."

Dr. Carey, himself a keen computer user, reminded his audience in St. George's Hall, Liverpool of the words of the novelist E.M. Forster: "Only connect!"

He went on: "Forster had something more in mind than a PC with a modem. Of course, you may argue, e-mail can be a way of making important connections. That's true, but it can also be a distorting and unsatisfactory one -- in which self-deception and evasion are prominent.

"The Christian emphasis is on relationships not just connections - Yes we have to make contact, but it is the quality of that contact that matters. We must be sure that the virtual community is at the service of real communities, not a substitute for them. It must be a tool for inclusion, not a weapon of exclusion."

Dr Carey also referred to ongoing discussions with the government over statutory guidelines concerning sex and relationships education in school, in the light of the government's plans to repeal Section 28.

He said: "We believe strong support should be given to promoting marriage as the fundamental building block of family life. I'm pleased that ministers have been prepared to listen carefully to our views and priorities in considering a statutory framework for future guidance to schools."