In a dramatic and clandestine diplomatic move, the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, held a secret meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov earlier this month. The high-stakes talks, which have just been revealed by The Independent, took place in Alaska and were focused on exploring potential pathways to peace in the ongoing Ukraine war.
The extraordinary encounter, which lasted several hours, was not authorised by the UK Foreign Office and represents a significant independent peace mission by the most senior figure in the Church of England. It is understood the Archbishop initiated the contact, leveraging his position as a global religious leader to open a backchannel of communication.
A Meeting of Ideology and Diplomacy
Sources indicate the discussions were "robust and frank," with the Archbishop directly challenging Lavrov on the moral and humanitarian consequences of Russia's invasion. The meeting also delved into the deeply sensitive issue of prisoner exchanges, including the potential release of British citizens held by Russian-backed forces.
The location in Alaska, a US state that borders Russia, was chosen for its symbolic neutrality and logistical convenience. The talks were reportedly facilitated by contacts within the Russian Orthodox Church, with which the Archbishop has maintained a long-standing, though often strained, relationship.
Whitehall Kept in the Dark
The revelation that such a significant meeting occurred without the prior knowledge or sanction of the British government is likely to cause considerable unease within Whitehall. While the Archbishop operates independently, such major diplomatic overtures typically involve close coordination with the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office.
A spokesperson for Lambeth Palace confirmed the meeting took place but declined to elaborate on the specifics of the conversation, stating only that the Archbishop "regularly engages with world leaders and senior figures as part of his ministry." The Russian Foreign Ministry has yet to issue a public comment.
This secret meeting underscores the increasingly complex role of religious figures in global geopolitics, acting as unconventional mediators in intractable conflicts where traditional state-to-state diplomacy has stalled. The outcome of these talks remains to be seen, but it marks one of the most audacious independent peace efforts since the war began.
