New bishop is Celtic druid
2002-08-06 08:27
London -
The incoming head of the Anglican church, Rowan Williams, was
made an honorary white druid on Monday in an ancient Celtic ceremony lauding him for his contribution to Welsh culture.
Williams was made a member of the Gorsedd of Bards in an
hour-long, open-air service at the National Eisteddfod, a
celebration of Welsh culture being held this week at Saint David's, in western Wales.
The Archbishop of Canterbury, who was named in July as the
successor to George Carey, earlier criticised the British press for portraying the druid role as pagan.
He said on Monday that the suggestion that the honour was linked to paganism was offensive, and described the award as "one of the greatest honours which Wales can bestow on her citizens".
The Gorsedd comprises Welsh-speaking poets, writers, musicians, artists and others who have made a distinguished contribution to Welsh language and culture.
Williams chose the Bardic name of "ap Aneurin" - in honour of
both a sixth-century Welsh poet and Aneurin Bevan, architect of the British health service.
Former prime minister David Lloyd-George, the actor Richard
Burton and the late queen Elizabeth the queen mother were also
white druids.
- Sapa-AFP
- SAPA