Just call me Justin, insists Archbishop

THE Archbishop of Canterbury is the holder of one of the world’s best known titles. But the incumbent sees no need to use it – preferring instead to be addressed by his first name.

In a BBC interview Justin Welby “insisted” that journalists refer to him as Justin rather than using part of his full official title, the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Most Reverend and Right Honourable Justin Welby.

He made the request in an interview with the broadcaster’s Ouch podcast, which covers disability.

The Archbishop was appearing alongside his daughters Katharine, who has mental health issues, and Ellie, who has learning difficulties and dyspraxia. The interview marked the first time Ellie, 24, had spoken publicly about her disability.

The Archbishop called for churches to prioritise disabled access over heritage. Heritage protection overrides equality laws which require buildings to be accessible. “I find it absolutely extraordinary that disability access comes second to heritage,” he said. “I really find that bizarre.”

♦the Church of England is split over gay conversion therapy as evangelical churches still offer it, despite a Government pledge to ban it. A document published online by the Evangelical Alliance, which has Church of England members, “welcomes and supports” the practice.