Most Reverend Justin Welby presented the King of Ashanti with the Cross of St. Augustine for his excellent support of the Anglican communion.
The Archbishop of Canterbury had visited the King of the Ashanti Kingdom in Ghana, and he deeply expressed his appreciation to the King for his commitment and service to the church and the nation at large. Most Reverend Justin Welby had presented the King with a Lambeth Award, which is the cross of St. Augustine.
Clergyman Justin Welby had traveled with his wife, Caroline Welby, to Kumasi for an audience with the Otumfuo Osei Tutu II at Manhyia Palace (HRM), before the 18th Plenary Session of the Anglican Consultative Council.
According to a report on the official website of the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Archbishop praised the Ashanti King and his predecessors for having “preserved the honor and dignity” of his throne and of his line through many years, during the British colonial period and afterward.
He said: “We always remember as Christians, that the greatest model of service was the God who washed his disciples’ feet, the crucified God. That is how to lead, to save, and to serve. I know of your own faith and I thank Your Royal Majesty for the example you have given.”
The King of the Ashanti Kingdom accepted the award on behalf of the people and the ongoing prayers.
The first time the Archbishop met the King was in August 2014 when he welcomed him to Lambeth palace, he also hosted him in Manhyia palace in October of the same year. The current visit is the third of the Archbishop with the King of Ashanti.
Archbishop Justin, Archbishop Cyril and Bishop Oscar planted a tree on the grounds of the Cathedral to commemorate Archbishop Justin’s visit to Kumasi. The Archbishop’s visit to Ghana is to attend the 18th Anglican Consultative Council Plenary Session which commenced on Sunday.
