UK, October 1, 2008: The Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, has sent an annual message to Hindu communities in Britain for Diwali, the festival of lights. In his message Dr Williams expresses his hope for “reconciliation where there has been division and hurt” and the appreciation and enjoyment of each other’s festivals “as a common sign to the world of our commitment to mutual goodwill and faith in each other.”
The Archbishop also refers to his forthcoming visit to the Shri Venkateswara (Balaji) temple near Walsall. Dr Williams has accepted the trustees’ invitation to visit the temple as a “celebration of friendship.”