In an ancient legal ceremony Dr Rowan Williams was confirmed on 2 December as "Lord Archbishop of Canterbury, Primate of All England and Metropolitan" at St Paul's Cathedral in London, England.

As required by law the Proctor of the Cathedral and Metropolitical Church of Canterbury produced a certificate of the Archbishop's election and the Archbishop-Elect gave his consent to his election being confirmed. The Archbishop of York read out a large parchment from Her Majesty the Queen asking Dr Williams to serve as Archbishop of Canterbury. Dr Williams then took the oaths and subscribed to the Declaration of Assent.

The Archbishop of York reminded Dr Williams of "the high trust and weighty obligations" of his office and outlined the mission and ministry of a bishop according to the Book of Common Prayer. "A bishop is called to lead in serving and caring for the people of God and to work in the oversight of the Church," he said. He also reminded Dr Williams that as chief pastor "he shares with his fellow bishops a special responsibility to maintain and further the unity of the Church, to uphold its discipline and guard its faith."

The Proctor said that prior to this day, public notice had been given to "anyone wishing to oppose the election" during an appointed time. No one had come forward and outside the cathedral no protesters were on site even though Dr Williams has been criticised in the press for some of his views.

Since the new Archbishop of Canterbury will have many responsibilities for the worldwide Anglican Communion, the Chairman and the Secretary General of the Anglican Consultative Council took part in the service, along with the Chair of the House of the Laity of the General Synod.

The service noted by its solemnity and legal language also included bible readings, psalm 21 and prayers. A special litany was composed for the occasion. The service ended with famous Charles Wesley's hymn "Love Divine."

The bishops of Wales sent a message to Dr Williams thanking God for his life and ministry and assuring him that his qualities of "spirituality, integrity, leadership, scholarship and humility" would enhance his leadership in the Church of England and around the world. Other visitors included bishops from the USA, Australia and New Zealand as well as the Lord Mayor of London and ecumenical leaders.

From now on Dr Williams can rightly sign his correspondence and other documents as "Rowan Cantuar" (Rowan of Canterbury), according to the ancient custom whereby a bishop adopts the name of his see, normally in Latin.

The enthronement of Dr Williams will take place on 27 February 2003 in Canterbury Cathedral. A number of Primates from the Provinces of the Anglican Communion will be present.