On January 25 Rowan Williams, the archbishop of Canterbury, accepted the 2009 Campion Award from the editors of America. A renowned scholar, theologian, ecumenist, pastor, professor and poet, Archbishop Williams is the author of more than a score of books. Drew Christiansen, S.J, the editor-in-chief of America, introduced the archbishop, and literary editor Patricia A. Kossmann presented him with the award.

Read Father Christiansen's introduction [3], or listen to an audio recording [4] of Archbishop Williams' remarks. Update: A transcript of the archbishop's remarks are also now online. [5]

A slideshow of pictures from the evening is also now available [6].

The Campion award is given on a regular basis to a notable Christian person of letters. It is named after St. Edmund Campion, S.J., an English writer and martyr who is honored in both the Anglican and Catholic traditions.