Justin Welby facts for kids
Quick facts for kids The Right Reverend and Right Honourable Justin Welby GCVO |
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| Former Archbishop of Canterbury | |
Official portrait, 2019
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| Church | Church of England |
| Province | Canterbury |
| Diocese | Canterbury |
| Elected | 4 February 2013 |
| Enthroned | 21 March 2013 |
| Reign ended | 6 January 2025 |
| Predecessor | Rowan Williams |
| Successor | Vacant |
| Orders | |
| Ordination | 1992 (deacon) 1993 (priest) |
| Consecration | 28 October 2011 by John Sentamu |
| Personal details | |
| Birth name | Justin Portal Welby |
| Born | 6 January 1956 Hammersmith, London, England |
| Denomination | Church of England |
| Residence |
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| Parents |
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| Spouse | Caroline Eaton |
| Children | 6 |
| Previous post |
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| Education | Eton College |
| Alma mater |
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| Signature |  |
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Justin Portal Welby (born 6 January 1956) is an Anglican bishop. He served as the 105th Archbishop of Canterbury in the Church of England from 2013 until January 2025.
Before becoming a bishop, Welby worked for 11 years in the oil industry. He then trained to become a priest at St John's College, Durham. He served in local churches before becoming Dean of Liverpool in 2007 and Bishop of Durham in 2011. After just over a year as Bishop of Durham, he became Archbishop of Canterbury in February 2013.
As Archbishop, Welby led many important events. These included the wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, the state funeral of Elizabeth II, and the coronation of Charles III and Camilla. During his time, the Church of England appointed its first female bishop. The church also approved blessings for same-sex unions. Welby is known for his "open evangelical" beliefs within the Anglican Church.
Welby resigned as Archbishop in January 2025.
Contents
Early Life and Family History
Justin Welby was born in Hammersmith, London, on 6 January 1956. His mother was Jane Gillian Portal. For many years, he believed Gavin Welby was his father. However, in 2016, a test showed his biological father was Anthony Montague Browne. Anthony Montague Browne was a private secretary to Winston Churchill.
Childhood Experiences
Welby has described his early childhood as "messy." His parents divorced when he was three. He lived with his father, Gavin, who passed away in 1977. His mother, Jane, later married Charles Williams, who was a supportive stepfather. Welby has spoken about how valuable his childhood experiences were, despite the difficulties.
Family Connections
In 2024, Welby shared that his biological father's family had connections to slavery in the past. His ancestor, Sir James Fergusson, 4th Baronet, owned slaves in Jamaica. He received money from the British government when slavery was abolished in 1833. Welby is also related to King James V of Scotland through his biological father's side.
His mother's family also had notable members. His great-uncle, Rab Butler, was a famous politician. He held important roles like Chancellor of the Exchequer and Foreign Secretary. Another relative, Charles Portal, was a top leader in the Royal Air Force during the Second World War. Welby's family tree also includes connections to King Charles II.
Education and Spiritual Journey
Welby attended St Peter's School, Seaford, and then Eton College. He later studied at Trinity College, Cambridge. He earned a degree in history and law in 1978.
While at Cambridge, Welby had a strong spiritual experience in 1975. He said he felt "a clear sense of something changing" in his life. He described it as knowing "the presence of God." This moment was very important for him. He also mentioned that he began speaking in tongues at age 19.
Career in Business
Welby worked in the oil industry for 11 years. Five of these years were spent in Paris for a French oil company. In 1984, he became a treasurer for Enterprise Oil plc in London. He worked on projects in West Africa and the North Sea oil region. He also spent time working in Nigeria. He left his business career in 1989. He felt a calling from God to become a priest.
In 2013, Welby spoke about how senior bank executives sometimes avoided knowing about difficult issues. He warned against publicly shaming individual bankers.
Becoming a Church Leader
Welby was first turned down for ordination. However, he was later accepted with support from Sandy Millar, a vicar. He studied theology at St John's College, Durham, from 1989 to 1992. He became a deacon in 1992 and a priest in 1993. Both ordinations were performed by Simon Barrington-Ward, the Bishop of Coventry.
He served as a curate in Chilvers Coton from 1992 to 1995. Then he became a rector in Southam and a vicar in Ufton until 2002. In 2002, he joined Coventry Cathedral as a canon residentiary. He also became co-director for international ministry. In 2005, he was appointed sub-dean.
Welby became Dean of Liverpool in December 2007. He was installed at Liverpool Cathedral on 8 December 2007. He wrote about ethics and finance, including a booklet called Can Companies Sin?.
In 2011, Welby was offered the role of Bishop of Durham. He said he was "astonished" but felt it was a huge privilege. He was consecrated as a bishop on 28 October 2011. This ceremony took place at York Minster. He was then enthroned in Durham Cathedral on 26 November 2011. He joined the House of Lords in January 2012.
Archbishop of Canterbury Role
Welby was announced as the next Archbishop of Canterbury on 9 November 2012. He said he thought it was "a joke" at first. His election was confirmed on 4 February 2013 at St Paul's Cathedral. He officially became Archbishop of Canterbury. He was then enthroned at Canterbury Cathedral on 21 March 2013.
As Archbishop, Welby visited the Vatican in June 2013. He met with Pope Francis and other church leaders.
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In a 2013 interview, Welby discussed his faith. He said that speaking "in tongues" was a regular part of his spiritual practice. He also said that knowing Jesus was like having "an utterly intimate friend." He described himself as a "spiritual magpie" because he uses different prayer methods. He also highlighted the Church's work in society. He mentioned that churches contribute millions of hours of volunteer work each month. They also help run many food banks.
During his time as Archbishop, Libby Lane became the Church of England's first female bishop in 2014. In 2023, the church approved blessings for same-sex couples. Welby led the wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in 2018. He also officiated at the funeral of Elizabeth II in 2022. In 2023, he led the coronation of Charles III and Camilla.
Resignation from Office
In November 2024, Welby faced calls to resign.
On 12 November 2024, Welby announced his resignation. He spoke with King Charles III about his decision. He stressed the importance of taking "personal and institutional responsibility" for the Church's past failures. He hoped his resignation would show the Church's commitment to creating a safer environment. Welby concluded his official duties on 6 January 2025. The functions of the Archbishop were then given to Stephen Cottrell, the Archbishop of York.
Stephen Cottrell said Welby's resignation was the "right and honourable thing to do." Other bishops thanked Welby for his leadership. The Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer, also respected the decision.
Welby's resignation led to calls for other church leaders to step down. The Bishop of Birkenhead, Julie Conalty, said Welby's resignation alone would not solve the problem. She stressed the need for deeper changes in the Church's approach to safety.
Welby apologized for his final speech in the House of Lords on 5 December 2024. He later said he was "profoundly ashamed" of it.
Key Views and Beliefs
Welby has spoken out on many important issues.
Brexit and Society
In 2018, Welby worried that Brexit was dividing UK society. He also felt that government spending cuts were harming vulnerable people. He called for a new story for the country based on "solidarity, courage, aspiration, resilience and care." In 2019, he urged those who wanted to remain in the EU to accept the referendum result.
COVID-19 Pandemic
In January 2021, Welby received his first COVID-19 vaccine. He called its quick development "an answer to prayer." He also spoke against false information about the pandemic. Welby was concerned that the pandemic made existing inequalities worse. He called for a public inquiry into the government's handling of COVID-19.
Caring for the Environment
In 2021, Welby, Pope Francis, and Bartholomew I made a joint statement. They agreed to work together on the urgent issue of environmental sustainability.
Food Banks and Poverty
Welby has often spoken about the rise of food banks in the UK. In 2013, he disagreed with a government minister. He believed that cuts to benefits had increased the need for food banks. He urged people to donate to food banks, especially around Christmas. He found it "shocking" that so many people needed food banks in the UK.
Welby has consistently highlighted poverty in the UK. He criticized changes that capped benefits below inflation. He said that children and families would pay the price. He believes that supporting the poor is a Christian duty. He has said that "justice of the powerful is not justice at all." He also noted that many people face unstable incomes. This makes it hard for them to save or plan for the future.
Fair Energy Prices
In 2013, Welby expressed concern about rising energy prices. He said energy companies have a responsibility to customers. They should not only focus on making the most profit. He believed that companies selling essential goods have a "huge responsibility to serve society."
High-Interest Loans
In July 2013, Welby spoke against payday lending companies. He met with the head of Wonga.com. He pledged that the Church of England would support credit unions. He wanted to offer an alternative to "very, very costly forms of finance." He noted that payday loans can trap people in a cycle of debt.
It was later found that the Church of England's pension fund had invested in a company that invested in Wonga. Welby called this "very embarrassing." He said the Church's investment rules should be reviewed.
Modern Slavery
Welby strongly condemns modern slavery. He calls it a crime against humanity. He joined with leaders of other faiths to work towards ending modern slavery by 2020.
Persecution of Christians
Welby is concerned about Christians being persecuted in some parts of the world. He noted that Christians and other minorities face danger for their faith. He mentioned Syria, South Sudan, and the Central African Republic. He urged the UK to welcome refugees.
Taxation Fairness
In 2017, Welby stated that tax avoidance was wrong. He believed many wealthy companies did not pay enough tax. He said that companies earning money from a society should pay tax there for the common good. In 2018, he criticized large online companies like Amazon. He said they paid "almost nothing in tax." He argued this was unfair because they benefit from public services without contributing enough.
Universal Credit System
Welby expressed concern that Universal Credit was harming poor people. In September 2018, he called for its rollout to be stopped. He said it had left too many people worse off. He noted that food bank use increased in areas where Universal Credit was introduced.
Women Bishops
Welby has been a strong supporter of women becoming bishops. In 2013, he aimed to ordain women as bishops. He also wanted to allow space for those who disagreed. In 2014, he urged Anglicans to avoid fear and embrace "cultural change." He believed the church needed to find ways to work together. This would allow all parts of the church to thrive. Legislation allowing women to be ordained bishops became law in November 2014.
Personal Life
Welby is married to Caroline Eaton. They have six children. In 1983, their seven-month-old daughter, Johanna, died in a car crash. Welby said this tragedy brought him and his wife closer to God. He helped create a special day for bereaved parents at Coventry Cathedral.
His daughter Katharine has written about her experiences with mental health. Another daughter, Ellie, has learning disabilities. Welby has been praised for sending his children to local state schools. He speaks French and enjoys French culture and sailing.
Books by Justin Welby
Welby has written or co-written several books, including:
- Dethroning Mammon: Making Money Serve Grace (2017)
- In This Light: Thoughts for Christmas (2018)
- Reimagining Britain: Foundations for Hope (2018)
- The Power of Reconciliation (2021)
- Wild Bright Hope: Reflections on Faith (2025)
Honours and Awards
Welby was appointed Knight Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order (GCVO) in 2024. This honour was for his services at the Coronation of Charles III and Camilla.
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See also
In Spanish: Justin Welby para niños
