Archbishop helps unite city faiths.

HINDUS and Christians from across the Midlands met the The Archbishop of Canterbury during his visit to Birmingham and the Black Country at the weekend.

Dr Rowan Williams, the chief bishop and principal leader of the Church of England, began his two-day tour of the region on Saturday by officially opening the pounds 2million Springfield Centre at St Christopher's Church, Springfield.

There, he met eight- to 13-year-olds from an after-school project who had written a rap for the occasion, along with parents and children who access the Family Support service, members of Seedlings Stay and Play group and children and families who attend Mini Springers Nursery. The Archbishop also met Dr Andrew Smith, leader of the Youth Encounter Centre, which trains Christian youth workers based in multi-faith settings.

Dr Williams said: "The Springfield Centre is a further example of the Church of England's Presence and Engagement programme, which emphasises the positive contribution of parish churches in multi-religious neighbourhoods."

The Rev Dr Toby Howarth, the vicar of St Christopher's and the Bishop of Birmingham, the Rt Revd David Urquhart's inter-faith adviser, said: "We had a wonderful time."

Dr Williams went on to visit the Hindu Venkataswara - Balaji - Temple, in Tividale, where he spoke after unveiling a plaque to commemorate his visit and the friendship between the Christian and Hindu communities in the UK.

He was joined by Indian ambassador Shiv Shankar Mukherjee, a number of MPs and local dignitaries.

Pooja Sridhar, 30, from Stirchley, was there with son, Sumedh, seven. The Raddlebarn schoolboy said: "It's good that other religions come here - it's good for other religions to know about our religion."

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Take a bow: The Archbishop visits The Hindu Temple of Shri Venkateswara (Balaji) in Tividale. Below: Dr Williams joins in a table football game at the Springfield Centre. Picture: Jeremy Pardoe JP151108Bish-13