New Archbishop of Canterbury

(Dr Rowan Williams)

The Independent on 15 November carried a report of the new Archbishop of Canterbury's views on Freemasonry. Dr Williams has doubts as to the compatibility of Freemasonry and Christianity, stated that he refused to promote Freemasons to "sensitive" posts within the Church in Wales and suggested that part of the ritual was rooted in Satanism. His views have greatly upset Freemasons. The Grand Secretary has written to the Archbishop challenging his views and inviting him to meet senior Freemasons to discuss his concerns.

An unsatisfactory reply was received, dated 18 December 2002, from his Deputy Secretary for Public Affairs. The Grand Secretary then wrote another letter to the Archbishop on 14 January 2003, which prompted a reply from the Archbishop himself, dated 23 January.

Click on the links below to see the full text of the correspondence between the Grand Secretary and the new Archbishop of Canterbury.

• Grand Secretary's letter dated 2 December 2002

• Archbishop's Deputy Secretary for Public Affairs replies - dated 18 December 2002

• Grand Secretary's letter dated 14 January 2003

• Reply from the Archbishop - dated 23 January 2003

• Grand Secretary's letter dated 24 February 2003