The visiting Archbishop of Canterbury, His Grace Dr. Rowan Douglas Williams, has told the Vice-President, Solomon Berewa, that the Anglican Communion had been "particularly struck and moved by the way different religious communities in Sierra Leone had worked so constructively and so peacefully" in bringing about the present stability.

He indicated that as a religious community, the Anglican Communion was looking to Sierra Leone "as our example of the practice of respect, patience and shared vision". He added: "It is my task to thank you for giving us that example of cooperation and mutual understanding.".

His Grace went on to note that the Anglican Communion had been conscious of the sufferings undergone by Sierra Leoneans, as well as "the strength of the resolve and vision which has been brought to the rebuilding of the civil society in the country."

He said it was "a matter of satisfaction for many that the United Kingdom had been part of the process", but stressed that it was equally "a matter of sorrow that the rest of the world took so long to notice and assist" the suffering peoples of Sierra Leone.

The Archbishop maintained that the Anglican Communion is a worldwide fellowship of local churches, which "survives and flourishes" only where peoples are able to be friends of one another". He explained that his visit was in part "a token of our wish as members of the Anglican Communion to develop an understanding as advocates and true friends of Sierra Leone", adding that it was in such a spirit that the current visit had been made to share the life of the Anglican Communion here in Sierra Leone.

He said the Archbishop's visit was also especially timely in that "it comes at a time when many are searching for a source of inspiration to help people turn things around and work to build a better Sierra Leone".

Vice President Berewa, who made note of the great amount of "religious fervour" found in Sierra Leone, pointed out, however, that Sierra Leone's was "relatively free of the religious acrimony and fanaticism" such as is found elsewhere.

"The degree of religious tolerance is remarkable and has helped in no small way to maintain our national cohesion," Mr. Berewa said, adding that the impartial treatment of religious groups as well as the freedom of religious practise are both guaranteed and jealously guarded.

The Vice President further observed that theextensive religious tolerance and collaboration between different faiths, especially in matters of national concern, had culminated in the establishment of the Inter Religious Council of Sierra Leone (IRCSL), an organ, which had contributed in no mean measure in bringing the former RUF rebels to the peace-negotiating table.

While noting what he called "the significant contributions of the Anglican Communion" in laying the foundation of education in Sierra Leone, Mr. Berewa also expressed gratitude to His Grace the Archbishop, including members of his Anglican Communion, for helping to galvanise the government of the United Kingdom into providing "unwavering support" for the country's cause.

In this direction, the President's deputy hastened to register Sierra Leone's appreciation to the government and people of Britain for such support during our struggles, as well as their continued assistance to current development programmes.

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