Prayer vital for the growth of Church, says Archbishop Williams

Prayer must be considered paramount for the growth of Church, says the head of Anglicans worldwide, Dr. Rowan Williams.

Speaking at the golden jubilee celebrations of the South Kerala Diocese of the Church of South India, the Archbishop of Canterbury, Williams, said a praying Church would learn to trust God and perceive its inability to grow without Him.

Apart from prayer, Archbishop Williams stressed the need to question about itself and the society. "Prayer makes us fearless to ask questions," he said.

He further urged members of the Church of South India to grow not just in numbers, but also in vision by finding new areas to service. "A praying and questioning church must also be a selfless church," he said.

The Golden Jubilee function was inaugurated by head of Travancore Royal House, Sree Uthradom Tirunal Marthanda Varma. The introductory speech was delivered by Bishop of the CSI South Kerala Diocese JW Gladstone.

Williams, accompanied by his wife Jane Williams and a nine-member delegation, is on an eight-day visit to the state of Kerala.

On Saturday, Williams and his wife visited the Kerala United Theological Seminary (KUTS) where Jane spent part of her childhood while her father served as a member of the teaching faculty.

Interacting with students at the seminary, Williams said wrong understanding of religion and God was the cause of terrorism and religious fanaticism.

Trying to understand the "infinity and mystery of God" will contribute to a stable faith, he said.

Prior to his trip to Kerala, the Archbishop and his entourage were accorded a traditional Indian welcome by Church leaders in Bangalore. The Archbishop will conclude his India trip on October 29.