Over the years many Americans have become Friends of Canterbury, the renowned English Cathedral steeped in history, and a centre of spirituality for the Christian world.

In 1982 these were formed into the Canterbury Cathedral Trust in America. In the spring of 1999 a new phase of the Friends' work was ushered in with the formation of a new international organisation under the direction of the Dean and Chapter of the Cathedral.

It has an American council comprised of five members to assist with the guidance and oversight of the organisation. The headquarters of the American Friends is in Washington DC, under the leadership of the Reverend Dr John C Harper.

Prior to his affiliation with Canterbury Cathedral in 1997, Dr Harper was Rector of St John's Lafayette Square in Washington for thirty years. Most recently he has been the Chairman of the "Education For The Ages" campaign. Under his direction the successful campaign has raised over two million dollars in the United States on behalf of the new Education Centre. Dr Harper is assisted with the day to day operations of the American Friends by Mr Vance Ziglar who has also assisted with the fundraising campaign over the past two years.

The American Friends organisation has three primary goals. First, it serves as a contact point through membership for the many friends of Canterbury Cathedral located in the US. Secondly, it provides a local office which can organise visits by the Dean and Chapter to the states and also facilitate trips by Americans to Canterbury. Its third objective is to provide a focus for fund-raising for the Cathedral in America.

Members enjoy a wide array of benefits designed to enhance their knowledge of the Cathedral and its mission. They receive The Dean's Letter, The Chronicle and Cathedral News, along with newsletters highlighting other activities.

Other membership privileges include free admission to the Precincts, members-only tours, and discounts in the exquisite newly refurbished Cathedral Shop. Members are also eligible to join special pilgrimage tours from Canterbury led by the Dean.

One of the future benefits of membership will be the opportunity to participate in courses offered at the Education Centre along with experiencing the life of the Cathedral by living in the Centre's hall of residence. From time to time there will be organised tours from the US to Canterbury.