THE Archbishop of Canterbury title was officially taken up by Dr Rowan Williams during a ceremony at St Paul's Cathedral.

The former Archbishop of Wales was elected to succeed Dr George Carey by the College of Canons of Canterbury in November.

The service on Monday, during which the confirmation of Dr Williams' election was led by Archbishop of York Dr David Hope, is the second stage in the induction process, which will be completed on February 27 when Dr Williams is enthroned in Canterbury Cathedral.

Canon John Rees, registrar for Canterbury, said: "In the meantime he is going to be moving from Wales to London and will have a time of retreat and reflection in preparation for his public ministry."

Expressing his delight at Dr Williams' unanimous election by the Canons in November, the Dean the Very Rev Dr Robert Willis said: "He will come to his new Cathedral with all our prayers and good wishes."