From Lambeth Palace

The Archbishop praised Anglicans in the West Indies for their 'faithfulness to Christ in this place'.

The Archbishop of Canterbury spent today in Barbados learning how Anglicans there live out their faith.

During a trip which will also include visits to Guatemala and Mexico, he praised the Anglican church in the West Indies for its "imaginative" contributions to the "unity and well-being" of the Anglican Communion.

Archbishop Justin and his wife, Caroline, arrived yesterday in Bardados for a two-day visit at the invitation of the Most Revd Dr John Holder, Archbishop of the Church of the Province of the West Indies and Bishop of Barbados.

The trip is part of a series of visits to Anglican Primates which the Archbishop is making during his first eighteen months in post.

During his visit the Archbishop met the Governor General and Prime Minister, as well as clergy and people from across the diocese. He visited St James Church, close to the site of the first Anglican church built in Barbados in 1627, as well as the distinguished theological institution, Codrington College.

Caroline Welby, meanwhile, met with the Provincial leadership of the Mothers’ Union. 

Arriving in Bridgetown yesterday, Archbishop Justin said: “I am delighted to be in Barbados with its rich history and long-standing connections with the Church of England. It is a great joy to have the opportunity for this time of fellowship with Archbishop John Holder and with clergy and people of the Church of the Province of the West Indies".

He added: “We are proud of the church’s faithfulness to Christ in this place and of its witness to justice for all God’s children.  I also thank God for the contribution made by Church of Province of the West Indies to the wider Anglican Communion, with its tradition of excellence in theological education and with its considered and imaginative contributions towards the unity and well-being of the Anglican Communion as a whole.”

The Archbishop said the Province of the West Indies sets an example of being a “bridge” province with people around the communion.

Welcoming the Archbishop, Dr Holder said: “We are very, very pleased to have him with us at this time, their first visit of the Caribbean, and we’re sure they will come again."

Before leaving Barbados, Archbishop Justin will celebrate and preach at a Eucharist at Christ Church Parish Church, together with Archbishop Holder and people from across the diocese.