Representatives from Barnet's different faith groups gathered to welcome the Archbishop of Canterbury at the Sternberg Centre in Finchley on Sunday, on what could be his last visit to the borough before his retirement later this year.

Dr George Carey and his wife received 12 long-stemmed yellow roses from members of all the borough's different communities, including Hindu and Zoroastrian, as well as Jewish, Christian and Muslim groups.

After the presentation of the roses at the East End Road centre, and hearing speeches made in his honour, Dr Carey said: "I am rather overwhelmed. One has simply tried to do one's best over the last 11 years. I am profoundly moved."

He thanked Sir Sigmund and Lady Hazel Sternberg and the Three Faiths Forum for organising the farewell reception paying tribute to his involvement in bringing faith groups together.

Dr Carey, whose successor is rumoured to be the Archbishop of Wales, Dr Rowan Williams, said: "Siggy made a tremendous impression on me when we first met, and since then we have had a growth of friendship and understanding."

Since his enthronement as Archbishop of Canterbury in 1991, Dr Carey and his wife have been very active in developing and supporting inter-faith relations, and have been in close contact with Sir Sigmund and his wife.

Dr Carey planted a rose bush in the centre's biblical garden, where each plant has been chosen in conjunction with a Bible verse. Lady Sternberg told Dr Carey: "The bush is in good shape, we will look after it conscientiously."

The Sternberg Centre is affiliated with the Leo Baeck College, where Andreas Hinz was training to be a rabbi before he was murdered last week after partying at the Black Cap gay pub in Camden. Dr Carey declined to comment on the case.

July 17, 2002 12:30