Archbishops go digital with website revamp

Netimperative - 05 February 2008

Digital agency Rufus Leonard has designed and built new websites for the Archbishops of Canterbury and York, Dr Rowan Williams and Dr John Sentamu, following a commission by Lambeth and Bishopthorpe Palaces last summer.

The new sites have recently gone live and will help project the Archbishops' beliefs, activities and personalities to a wider audience, with the aim of creating sites that utilise the best in web technology and design.

Both websites use a fresh and modern design, which share a similar style and structure, but different content.

The design themes of each site help complement the public profile of both Archbishops, with the Archbishop of Canterbury's site using shades of contemplative blue and grey, whilst the Archbishop of York features vibrant reds.

New functionality has also been introduced in both sites such as videos, RSS feeds, a 'contact us' form and photo gallery.

The project began with an extensive scoping and research phase. Rufus Leonard consultants met with stakeholders to gather requirements for the websites.

The Archbishops were then consulted and based on their feedback, Rufus Leonard built the site structure and designs which formed the basis of the websites.

Archbishop's Rowan Williams and John Sentamu both have personal pages covering their biographies, background on personal interests - such as poetry, and Russian literature for the former and York City FC for the latter.

A Lambeth Palace spokesperson said: "We recognise the potential and importance of web based communication and see it as central to ensuring that the messages of both Archbishops and the Church of England are widely heard. In addition, these new websites will allow the Archbishops to reach out to fresh audiences through use of video, audio and other facilities.

“Both Archbishops will find that their enhanced web presence will be a great help in supporting the leading roles they play in national life, within the worldwide Anglican Communion, and with other faith communities."

Andrew Pinkess, Strategy Director at Rufus Leonard, and client partner on the project added: "This was a unique opportunity for us to get involved in an unusual but high profile project. It was a real challenge creating sites which accurately reflected the very different personalities of the Archbishops, whilst also being straightforward to manage and maintain. We hope the end result works well for both the Archbishops and for the audiences they are trying to reach."