As a serving Primate in the Anglican Communion, Archbishop Rowan Williams has already won the respect of his brother Archbishops as well as the Joint Standing Committee of the Primates of the Anglican Communion and the Anglican Consultative Council.

Having travelled extensively throughout the Communion, Archbishop Rowan brings to his new office a compassionate understanding of our global family.

Archbishop Rowan will be warmly received as a man of deep spiritual resources who cares intensely for the poor, oppressed and the marginalised in society. I look forward to working with him.

As Archbishop Rowan prepares to assume his new responsibilities, I know that the communion will be praying for him, Jane, Rhiannon and Pip.

The Revd Canon John L Peterson
Secretary General of the Anglican Communion
23 July 2002