Justin Welby facts for kids
Quick facts for kids The Right Reverend and Right Honourable Justin Welby GCVO |
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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 |  |
| Coat of arms |  |
Justin Portal Welby (born 6 January 1956) was a very important leader in the Church of England. He served as the 105th Archbishop of Canterbury from 2013 to 2025.
Before becoming a church leader, he worked in the oil industry for 11 years. Then, he decided to become a priest. He studied at St John's College, Durham. He worked in different churches. Later, he became the Dean of Liverpool in 2007. In 2011, he became the Bishop of Durham. After just over a year, he became the Archbishop of Canterbury in 2013.
He stepped down as archbishop in January 2025.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Justin Portal Welby was born in Middlesex, England, on 6 January 1956. His mother was Jane Gillian Portal. His biological father was Sir Anthony Montague Browne.
Justin's parents divorced when he was three years old. He lived with his father, Gavin Welby. His mother later married Charles Williams. Justin described his stepfather as very supportive.
Family Background
Justin Welby's family has many interesting connections. His mother's side includes Rab Butler, a famous politician. Rab Butler was also a master at Trinity College, Cambridge.
Another relative was Sir Montagu Butler, who was a governor in British India. Justin's family also connects to the Lennox sisters. They were daughters of the 2nd Duke of Richmond. The Duke was an illegitimate son of King Charles II.
School and University
Justin Welby went to St Peter's School, Seaford and Eton College. He then studied at Trinity College, Cambridge. He earned a degree in history and law in 1978.
While at Cambridge, Justin had a strong religious experience. He said he felt a clear change in his life. He started to believe in God in a new way. This was a very important time for him.
Working in the Oil Industry
Justin Welby worked in the oil industry for 11 years. He spent five years in Paris, France, for a company called Elf Aquitaine. In 1984, he became a treasurer for Enterprise Oil plc in London. He worked on oil projects in West Africa and the North Sea.
He left his job in 1989. He felt a strong calling from God to become a priest. During his time in the oil industry, he attended an evangelical Anglican church. It was called Holy Trinity, Brompton in London.
In 2013, Welby talked about how senior bank executives sometimes avoid knowing about problems. This allows them to say they were unaware. He also said he might have acted the same way.
Becoming a Church Leader
Justin Welby first tried to become a priest but was turned down. However, he was later accepted with support from his church. He is known for his connection to the charismatic evangelical part of the Church of England.
From 1989 to 1992, he studied theology at St John's College, Durham. He became a deacon in 1992 and a priest in 1993. Both ordinations were at Coventry Cathedral.
He worked as a curate in Chilvers Coton and Astley. Then he became a rector in Southam and vicar in Ufton. In 2002, he became a canon at Coventry Cathedral. He also helped with international ministry.
In 2007, he was appointed Dean of Liverpool. He was installed at Liverpool Cathedral in December 2007.
Welby has written books about ethics and finance. His writings explore if companies can "sin." He believes that the structure of a system can make it easier to choose right or wrong.
In 2011, he became the Bishop of Durham. He said it was a huge privilege. He wanted to see a church full of spiritual life. He wanted it to serve Jesus Christ and the community.
He was officially confirmed as Bishop of Durham in September 2011. He was consecrated as a bishop in October 2011. This happened at York Minster. He was then enthroned in Durham Cathedral in November 2011. He joined the House of Lords in January 2012.
Archbishop of Canterbury
Justin Welby was chosen to be the next Archbishop of Canterbury. This was announced on 9 November 2012. He said he first thought it was a joke. He had only been a bishop for a short time.
His election was confirmed at St Paul's Cathedral on 4 February 2013. This made him legally the Archbishop of Canterbury. He was also appointed to the Privy Council of the United Kingdom.
Welby was officially enthroned as archbishop at Canterbury Cathedral on 21 March 2013. This was a very important ceremony.
In June 2013, he visited the Vatican. He met with Pope Francis. They prayed together at the tombs of Saint Peter and Pope John Paul II.
In an interview in 2013, Welby spoke about his faith. He said he practices "speaking in tongues" as part of his daily prayer. He also said that knowing Jesus is like having an intimate friend. He called himself a "spiritual magpie." This means he takes good ideas from different spiritual practices.
He uses Catholic models for his spiritual discipline. These include the contemplation of Benedictines and the self-examination of Ignatius of Loyola. He also has a spiritual director.
Welby believes the church does a lot to help society. He said churches contribute millions of hours of volunteer work each month. They are involved in many food banks. He said this comes from genuine spirituality.
In January 2019, Welby said he didn't mind if Anglican priests joined the Roman Catholic church. He said, "Who cares?" as long as they are faithful followers of Christ.
Welby led the coronation of Charles III and Camilla on 6 May 2023. He was the first Archbishop of Canterbury to lead a coronation in about 70 years. The last one was Geoffrey Fisher in 1953. He received a special honor for his service at the coronation.
He completed his official duties on 6 January 2025.
Important Views
Caring for the Environment
In 2021, Welby, Pope Francis, and Bartholomew I made a joint statement. They talked about how important it is to protect the environment. They urged people to work together for environmental sustainability.
Helping with Food Banks
Before Christmas in 2013, Welby asked people to donate to food banks. He suggested giving 10% of their Christmas spending.
In December 2014, he worried about the growing need for food banks. He said it was "unthinkable" a decade ago. He found it shocking that people in the UK were hungry. He saw it as a chance for the Church to show love.
Fair Energy Prices
Welby is concerned about rising energy prices in the UK. He believes energy companies have a responsibility to customers. They should not just focus on making the most money.
He said, "The impact on people, particularly on low incomes, is going to be really severe. The companies have to fully justify what they are doing." He added that with great power comes great responsibility.
High-Interest Loans
In July 2013, Welby spoke out against payday lending companies. He met with the CEO of Wonga.com. Welby promised that the Church of England would support credit unions. He wanted to offer an alternative to expensive loans.
He explained that payday lenders make loans seem quick and easy. But once a loan is taken, it is hard to get out of the cycle. The high interest rates make it hard to pay off the debt.
It was later found that the Church of England's pension fund had invested in a company that invested in Wonga. Welby said this was "very embarrassing." He suggested the church's investment rules should be reviewed.
Tackling Inequality
Welby has often spoken about inequality in the UK. In 2017, he said, "Our economic model is broken." He felt that Britain needed to make choices about its economy. He worried about the gap between the richest and poorest.
He praised the welfare state as a Christian effort. He said the COVID-19 pandemic in the United Kingdom made existing inequalities worse. He called for building a "new Beveridge" system.
Fighting Poverty
In March 2013, Welby criticized government changes to benefits. He said these changes would hurt children and families. He believed society has a duty to support those in need.
At Christmas 2013, Welby said Christians should help the poor. They should also challenge the causes of poverty. He said that even as the economy improves, there is sadness in broken families. People are ashamed to ask for help from food banks.
Welby believes that dealing with poverty is about justice, not just charity. He said speaking out about poverty and financial insecurity is part of Christian duty. He hopes people will help fight poverty in their own neighborhoods.
He also worried about unstable incomes. Many people cannot save or plan for the future. They do not know how much money they will earn each week. He said this comes back to justice and the common good.
Helping Refugees
Welby disagrees with limits on child refugees entering the UK. In 2017, he worried that children were at risk. He said, "Our country has a great history of welcoming those in need."
He believes refugees are treasured human beings. They deserve safety, freedom, and a chance to do well. He urged people to resist seeing desperate people as a threat. Instead, it is an opportunity to do our duty.
Social Injustice
Welby believes social injustice is common in British society. He said the gig economy is one example. He noted that the weakest people often get the least secure pensions.
Women Bishops
Welby strongly supports allowing women to become bishops in the Anglican Church. In 2013, he said he aimed to ordain women as bishops. He also wanted to allow space for those who disagree.
He hoped to avoid a situation where one side's gain meant another's loss. He wanted caution, cooperation, and unity. New laws allowing women bishops in the Church of England were agreed upon in 2014.
Global Anglican Dispute
On February 20, 2023, some leaders from the Global South Fellowship of Anglican Churches made a statement. They said they no longer recognized Justin Welby as the head of the Church. This showed a disagreement within the Anglican Communion.
Personal Life
Justin 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 sad event brought him and his wife closer to God. He started a special day for grieving parents at Coventry Cathedral.
His daughter Katharine has written about her struggles with mental health. Another daughter, Ellie, has learning disabilities.
Welby acknowledges his privileged background. He has been praised for sending his own children to local state schools.
He speaks French and loves French culture. He lived and worked in France. His hobbies include most things French and sailing.
Styles and Titles
- Master Justin Welby (1956–1974)
- Mr Justin Welby (1974–1992)
- The Reverend Justin Welby (1992–2002)
- The Reverend Canon Justin Welby (2002–2007)
- The Very Reverend Justin Welby (2007–2011)
- The Right Reverend Justin Welby (personal: 2011–2013)
- His Lordship the Right Reverend the Lord Bishop of Durham (office: 2011–2013)
- The Most Reverend Justin Welby (personal: 4 – 12 February 2013)
- The Most Reverend and Right Honourable Justin Welby (personal: 12 February 2013 – 12 November 2024)
- His Grace the Most Reverend and Right Honourable Justin Welby, Lord Archbishop of Canterbury, Primate of all England (office: 2013 – 2024)
- His Grace the Most Reverend and Right Honourable Dr Justin Welby DD, Lord Archbishop of Canterbury, Primate of all England (office: January 2015 – 2024)
- His Grace the Most Reverend and Right Honourable Dr Justin Welby GCVO DD, Lord Archbishop of Canterbury, Primate of all England (office: January 2024 – Present)
Coat of Arms
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Images for kids
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Justin Welby's signature
See also
In Spanish: Justin Welby para niños
