TWO outgoing prominent figures in international organisations have been honoured by the Archbishop of Canterbury.

In a service in Lambeth Palace, on 14 November, Archbishop Welby awarded the Cross of St Augustine, to the Worldwide President of the Mothers’ Union, Lynne Tembey. The Archbishop said: “Lynne is a person of great faith and integrity, her faith and commitment to Christ shine through in all that she does.”

Lynne Tembey has worked with the Mothers’ Union for almost 40 years, serving as Worldwide President for the past six. She said: “As I have travelled around the Anglican Communion, I have been deeply moved by many heart-rendering stories I have been privileged to hear. I believe that it is my mission to share these stories with others.”

Anglican Centre in RomeThe Rt Revd Stephen Platten

The Rt Revd Stephen Platten, a former Bishop of Wakefield, steps down as chair of governors of the Anglican Centre in Rome at the end of the year. He was awarded the Lambeth Cross for Ecumenism, in a presentation in Rome by the Centre’s Director, Archbishop Bernard Ntahoturi, on 14 November, in recognition of his involvement “at a deep level with ecumenical relations during his long ministry, alongside his significant and important ministry within the Church of England.”

Bishop Platten, who has served at the Centre for three decades — and as chair of governors for 15 years — is also a former Archbishop of Canterbury’s Secretary for Ecumenical Affairs and co-secretary of the Anglican-Roman Catholic International Commission.

“I have been committed to the unity of our Churches throughout my life, and I am utterly committed to the work of the Centre,” he said. “My hope is that it [the award] might further raise the profile of the Centre as it develops and prospers in the future.”