Archbishop of Canterbury blesses Weymouth Youth centre

During a jam-packed itinerary of meeting people and blessing a new youth centre, he found time to sample the delights of a Rossi's ice cream during his visit, which was organised by the Diocese of Salisbury.

The Archbishop meeting people on Weymouth seafront (Image: Diocese of Salisbury)

The Archbishop met with business and civic leaders over breakfast on Portland in the morning.

He then walked along Weymouth seafront speaking to local people and even had an ice cream at the famous Rossi's ice cream parlour.

The Archbishop then visited St John's Church at Greenhill for a fun day which celebrated the blessing of their new youth centre at Hope House.

Children and young people were given the chance to speak to the Archbishop, asking him about questions of religion, personal advice or even what his McDonald's order was, asked by one child - a chicken burger and fries, the Archbishop answered.

Archbishop Justin Welby at St John's Church in Weymouth (Image: Tom Lawrence)

Archbishop Justin Welby said: "This is part of a three-day mission in the diocese of Salisbury at the invitation of the Bishop of Salisbury, Bishop Stephen. One of the places he chose for us to come was Weymouth and Portland so that is why I am here.

"It has just been such fun. It has been a gift, people have been incredibly friendly, walking along the front, listening to people, praying with people, having the opportunity to talk to them about why we follow Jesus Christ, but also listening to local issues and people's individual troubles.

"It has been a wonderful day."

The Archbishop officially opened and blessed the youth centre Hope House, which has been repurchased by St John’s Church for the community.

He also spent some time talking to some of the young people of Weymouth.

Youth worker Joe Hobday has worked at Hope House since November 2021, working with children as young as seven, up to teenagers and young adults.

Youth worker Joe Hobday and Victoria from St John's church join young people in Hope House for a photo in front of their icon board (Image: Tom Lawrence)

Youth work pioneer Joe said: “He allotted a one-hour slot for children and young people, they met in Hope House, with none of his entourage, not all his assistants, just he wanted to engage with kids and young people.

"They did Q&As with him, they ranged from ‘how heavy was the crown’ to questions about refugees and same-sex relationships and he answered them, hitting the mark perfectly with all age groups."

In Hope House, the Archbishop was shown an 'icon wall' with pictures of celebrities and famous people who the children look up to as role models - and he could even spot a picture of himseld on the wall.

The Icon wall at Hope House (Image: Tom Lawrence)

The Archbishop of Canterbury signed his picture on the icon wall at Hope House (Image: Tom Lawrence)

Joe said: “He came in and I said to him, you may think you are just on here because you are coming, but this has been in the planning for a year and he was suggested way back even before he crowned Charles.

"When he came he gladly signed his photo. Which was great.”