The Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, has announced the appointment of Tim Livesey as his Secretary for Public Affairs, in succession to Jeremy Harris. Mr Livesey is currently Assistant Director, Strategy and Information at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in London.

Mr Livesey, who is 46, has worked in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office since 1987; his responsibilities have included postings in Morocco,  Nigeria and Paris as well as secondments to Nato's Media Operations Centre in Brussels and to 10 Downing Street, where he served as Assistant Press Secretary to the Prime Minister from 2000 - 2002. In 2002 he was seconded to the Office of the Cardinal Archbishop of Westminster, Cardinal Cormac Murphy-O'Connor as Principal Advisor for Public Affairs.

The Public Affairs Secretary is the principal senior advisor to the Archbishop of Canterbury on policy matters relating to his office and work. As the key co-ordinator and interpreter of advice to the Archbishop, this involves working with the other senior Offices of State, politics, business, education, the media and voluntary organisations within and outside the church.

Dr Williams said 'I am delighted to welcome Tim to the Lambeth staff. He brings a wide experience and profound Christian commitment to a crucial and challenging post and we are fortunate to have his services.'

Mr Livesey is a practising Roman Catholic; he is married with five children and lives in Berkshire. He said 'I am delighted  to be given the opportunity to work in support of the Archbishop of Canterbury in his role as pastor, teacher and leader at a time of great challenge for the Church in England and worldwide.'

Mr Livesey is expected to take up his appointment in May of this year. 
         
Press Office
Lambeth Palace
London SE1 7JU
www.archbishopofcanterbury.org