THE Archbishop of Canterbury has told the Diocese of Hereford that there is not a split in the Anglican church.

Dr Rowan Williams has addressed local church-goers ahead of a global conference in Canterbury next month.

Speaking at the Diocese’s conference in Swanwick, Derbyshire, the Archbishop claimed differences over sexuality could be resolved and denied a rift in the church.

He said next month’s Lambeth Conference – a global meeting of Anglican bishops held every 10 years – could prove a turning point.

“My hope is that the conference will be a real trust building event,” said the Archbishop.

“The challenge is whether we manage those issues in such a way that they don’t just split us apart and isolate us from one another.

“I think that we face some very serious choices within the church but I don’t think the Church of England is on the edge of schism.”

The Archbishop received a standing ovation before answering questions.

During a one-on-one interview with Diocese newspaper editor Bob Calver, the Archbishop praised parish life and said churches could be developed into community facilities.

“My sense of parish life is that there is a tremendous amount of energy and creativity still there,” said the Archbishop.

“Whatever stories, or what various sorts of numbers tell us, it’s not on the verge of disappearing and it’s not on the point of splitting apart.”