Most Revd Justin Welby has continued to be outspoken about poverty and, in particular, the availability of easy credit from payday lenders since his appointment.
Archbishop Justin told Wonga in 2013 the Church would try to force the firm out of business by helping credit unions compete with it. But was left red faced after the CofE later admitted it invested in funds that provided money for Wonga.
Last year saw the launch of the Archbishop's initiative To Your Credit to promote responsible lending and financial advice set up by his own Task Group and partner organisations, of which CAP is one.
"CAP deals in helping people to get free of the prison of debt and it's something I feel passionately about," said Most Revd Justin Welby.
"Having seen them at work and how effective they are, I wanted to be a patron and to support them in any way I could," he added.
Founder and International Director John Kirkby said: "We're delighted and grateful to have the Archbishop as our first ever patron. This is not something I would ever have imagined when I started all this in my spare bedroom in 1996.
"The Church of England is a major player in fighting poverty. Around 20 per cent of CAP services only happen on the ground, in communities, because of committed Anglicans who want to see a change. About 60 of their churches are running debt centres with us, for example."
Listen to Edward Parker speaking to Premier's Des Busteed on the News Hour:
