New Archbishop of Canterbury speaks of his humbling experience

The new Archbishop of Canterbury spoke yesterday of the humbling experience of becoming the 104th holder of the post after he was formally confirmed in a centuries-old ceremony. Rowan Williams underwent his "confirmation of election" at St Paul's Cathedral the day after he criticised the pomp and circumstance of the church.

The ceremony included a service and several legal proceedings presided over by the Archbishop of York, Dr David Hope, helped by eight other senior bishops. It included hymns, readings and a litany in which the Queen, Parliament and anyone who administers the law were prayed for.

The legal procedures were opened by the Dean of the Arches, Sheila Cameron QC, who told the congregation that the ceremony had been performed in Latin before the 18th century, but since 1733 an English translation had been used. The version used today had been modernised but still retained some of the "interesting old words", she said.

After the ceremony, Dr Williams said in a statement issued by Lambeth Palace: "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."

Dr Williams, 52, will not begin his public ministry as Archbishop of Canterbury until February, when he will be formally installed at Canterbury Cathedral. He will move into Lambeth Palace with his wife, Jane, and two school-age children this month.