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Druidic Ceremonies at National Eisteddfod, Wales

© Stuart Buchanan MacWatt

Dr Rowan Williams, the Church of England's controversial new Primate, plunged enthusiastically into new areas of dispute yesterday by becoming a Druid. Despite the absence of a bronze sickle and mistletoe garnered in a sacred oaken grove at the rising of a full moon, the bearded prelate looked every inch the bardic druid of Victorian myth and magic in his long white robe and headdress at his induction into the Welsh Gorsedd of Bards; an initiation ceremony performed before onlookers at the Welsh National Eisteddfod in Pembrokeshire.

His induction provoked immediate reaction from outspoken evangelical Christians. Speaking on behalf of the powerful Evangelical Reform Group on BBC radio, the Rev Angus Macleay hit out at Dr Williams for participating in the druidic ceremony held within a stone circle to the sound of trumpets and harp. ""It will not be helpful to the Gospel," he said. "The Archbishop of Canterbury designate needs to consider what other people, non-Welsh members of the Anglican communion, think he is doing." He continued: "How will it help African bishops and pastors seeking to draw people away from paganism to follow Christ when they see him involved in this sort of activity?"

Dr Williams, or to call him by his new druidic name ap Aneurin, was unrepentant. He described his elevation into the rarified bardic circles as "one of the greatest honours that Wales can bestow on her citizens", adding for good measure: "the suggestion that the Gorsedd is even remotely associated with paganism is deeply offensive."

After the ceremony the newly inducted member of an order that counts poets, writers, artists and the late Queen Mother among its ancient ranks, defended the long and impressive ceremony. "I feel very saddened that some people have reached the wrong conclusion about the ceremony." He noted to the press: "If people had actually looked at the words of the hymns and text used they would have seen a very Christian service."

The Gorsedd of Bards, headed by an elected Archdruid is in fact an association of distinguished poets, writers, musicians, artists and honoured individuals who have made a notable contribution to the Welsh nation's, language and culture. It was founded in 1792 in London under the inspired leadership of the Welsh eccentric scholar Iolo Morganwg who wished to vaunt the Celtic heritage, culture and language of a people overcome a millenium ago by the Normans and their successor rulers in London.

The Gorsedd first made its appearance in its native Wales at the annual Carmarthen Eisteddfod in 1819 and has been associated with the country's National Eisteddfod since its modern inception in the mid 19th century. Its colourful ceremonies to honour Welsh literary achievements are a solemn and revered part of the Eisteddfod which has grown from esoteric beginnings in the 12th century to become the country's most important international folk and cultural festival, drawing Welsh expatriates from as far away as the Welsh enclave in Patagonia. The Gorsedd's cultural activities are a far remove from the religious rituals and festivals of today's pagan Order of Bards Oblates and Druids, though their attitude to peaceful coexistence and earth conservation run parallel.

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