The Bishop of Guildford has released a personal message regarding the cancellation of Justin Welby's visit to the Diocese visit scheduled for next week.

Many people had  registered to hear the Archbishop speak on transforming lives, churches and communities and then answer our questions. Some of our parishioners are among those who had registered.

But on Friday, March 13 the Rt Reverend Andrew Watson released a statement. He explained: "Along with my leadership team, I took the very hard decision to postpone the visit of the Archbishop of Canterbury to the Diocese of Guildford next week. We appreciate the enormous amount of effort that has gone into putting these events together and therefore the disappointment that will accompany this decision.

<span style="font-size: 1rem;">"This step has not been taken lightly, but we felt it was our social responsibility to postpone this visit until there is less uncertainty and more information on how Covid-19 will impact the UK. Given the large number of people and events organised and our priority to protect those most vulnerabe in our communities, we have concluded that this is the necessary course of action.</span>

<span style="font-size: 1rem;">"Hosting the Archbishop of Canterbury is an amazing honour and we had wanted to make sure that all parishioners, all our schools, and all our partners would have the opportunity to spend time with him. We look forward to rescheduling his visit.</span>

<span style="font-size: 1rem;">"Our priority now is to support our parishes, schools and chaplaincies to prepare for a potential spread of Covid-19, supporting our clergy to continue to provide spiritual and pastoral care to their parishes and protect those who are vulnerable, isolated and fearful in our communities."  </span>