The confirmation of the election of the 104th Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, has taken place at St Paul's Cathedral, London, England. In a formal ceremony, nine bishops of the Church of England (including the Archbishop of York) confirmed that Rowan Douglas Williams had been properly chosen and elected as Archbishop of Canterbury by the Dean and Chapter of Canterbury Cathedral.

Dr Williams now formally becomes Archbishop of Canterbury and assumes the title and style of the office.

Dr Williams said, "It's a very humbling thing to be included in this long succession of Archbishops and a very humbling thing to be aware of the trust that has been placed in my hands.

"I pray for God's guidance as I seek to meet this new challenge - a challenge I face with a sense of inadequacy but also with hope, with joy and with enthusiasm. I am deeply grateful for all the support that has been given to me and the prayers that are being offered."

Later this month, Dr Williams and his family will move to Lambeth Palace. After a period of rest, retreat and preparation, he will be formally enthroned in Canterbury Cathedral on 27 February 2003 and begin a full public ministry as Archbishop of Canterbury.