(This visit to Qatar for the Dialogue with Muslim theologians and to visit the church was planned a long time ago--P.T.)

ACNS 3391 | LAMBETH PALACE | 5 APRIL 2003

The Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, will visit the Anglican Church community in Qatar on Sunday 6 April. Dr Williams will confirm 16 people from 7 countries and preach during a confirmation service in the English School.

During the service, which will be conducted by the Rt Revd Clive Handford, the Bishop of Cyprus and the Gulf, Dr Williams will also bless a cross-shaped stone for a new church building due to be constructed later this year. The Church of the Epiphany, Doha, will be the first church built in Qatar since the seventh century.

As previously announced, Dr Williams will be attending the second 'Building Bridges' seminar on Christian-Muslim dialogue in Doha from 7-9 April.