Rowan Williams to interview Skinner

It’s not the most likely of double acts... but Frank Skinner is to share a stage with the Archbishop of Canterbury.

Dr Rowan Williams invited the comedian – a practising Catholic – to be interviewed about his faith in Canterbury Cathedral as part of a religious festival.

Skinner said: ‘Being a Roman Catholic, my first thought on receiving the invitation was that it could be a trap.

‘Nevertheless, I accepted immediately because the Archbishop seems such an intelligent and holy man.

‘If I had my way, the interview would be a 90 minute shouting-match about the Reformation but, more likely, we’ll talk about being a believer in an ever-more secular Britain and how best to fend off the evil forces of new-atheism.’

Dr Williams added: ‘Frank is an extraordinarily gifted person with a fascinating life story.

‘Whilst I am sure Frank will try and steer the conversation towards football, I shall aim to steer it back to rugby.’

The interview is part of The Gathering event, and takes places on September 16.

Published: 20 Jul 2011