Comedian Frank Skinner and the Archbishop of Canterbury are to debate faith, comedy and football.

The award-winning stand-up will join Dr Rowan Williams for an In Conversation event at Canterbury Cathedral in September.

The event forms part of The Gathering, a two day festival organised by the Diocese of Canterbury which is being held at Canterbury Cathedral on September 16 and 17.

When the invite first came through the door Frank wasn’t quite sure what to make of the offer.

He said: “Being a Roman Catholic, my first thought on receiving an invitation to be interviewed by the Archbishop of Canterbury in Canterbury Cathedral was that it could be a trap.

“Nevertheless, I accepted immediately because the Archbishop seems such an intelligent and holy man.

“If I had my way, the interview would be a 90 minute shouting-match about the Reformation but, more likely, we’ll talk about being a believer in an ever-more secular Britain and how best to fend off the evil forces of new-atheism.”

The Archbishop of Canterbury said: “Frank is an extraordinarily gifted person with a fascinating life story.

“As a practising Catholic, Frank has some strong views on both the Catholic and Anglican Church, which will be interesting to explore.

“Whilst I am sure Frank will try and steer the conversation towards football, I shall aim to steer it back to rugby.”

For ticket information visit www.canterburydiocese.org/thegathering