Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby enroned.

Archbishop Justin Welby

Religious leaders, royalty and senior politicians have gathered for the enthronement of the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Most Rev Justin Welby.

The 57-year-old is being formally sworn in as head of the Church of England and spiritual leader of the 77 million-strong Anglican global communion.
 
The Prince of Wales and Prime Minister David Cameron are among the 2,000 guests at Canterbury Cathedral where for the fist time, a woman will enthrone the archbishop.

Sheila Watson, Archdeacon of Canterbury, is taking a central role in the service which marks the start of the archbishop's public ministry.

It is the last stage in his appointment following the confirmation of his election in February.

At the start of the service, Archbishop Welby struck the West Door of the cathedral three times with his staff before it was opened to allow his entry.

A young member of the Anglican communion, Evangeline Kanagasooriam, then asked the archbishop, "Who are you and why do you request entry?" and "Why have you been sent to us?"

Justin Welby replied: "I am sent as Archbishop to serve you, to proclaim the love of Christ and with you to worship and love him with heart and soul, mind and strength."

Representatives of the world's major religions are among the congregation and the service is a blend of the traditional and modern. There are hymns, African dancers, Punjabi music and improvised organ music.

There is a strong African element to the service, reflecting the archbishop's ties with the continent through his former job as an oil executive and most recently in peace and reconciliation work.