Rowan Williams facts for kids
Quick facts for kids The Lord Williams of Oystermouth |
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| Archbishop of Canterbury Primate of All England |
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Williams in 2007
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| Church | Church of England |
| Province | Canterbury |
| Diocese | Canterbury |
| Elected | 2 December 2002 |
| Enthroned | 27 February 2003 |
| Reign ended | 31 December 2012 (retired) |
| Predecessor | George Carey |
| Successor | Justin Welby |
| Other posts | Archbishop of Wales (2000–2002) Bishop of Monmouth (1992–2002) |
| Orders | |
| Ordination | 2 October 1977 (deacon) by Eric Wall 2 July 1978 (priest) by Peter Walker |
| Consecration | 1 May 1992 by Alwyn Rice Jones |
| Personal details | |
| Birth name | Rowan Douglas Williams |
| Born | 14 June 1950 Swansea, Glamorgan, Wales |
| Denomination | Anglicanism |
| Parents |
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| Spouse |
Jane Paul
(m. 1981) |
| Children | 2 |
| Profession | Archbishop, theologian |
| Alma mater | |
| Motto |
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| Signature |  |
| Coat of arms |  |
Rowan Douglas Williams, Baron Williams of Oystermouth (born 14 June 1950) is a Welsh Anglican bishop, theologian, and poet. He was the 104th Archbishop of Canterbury from 2002 to 2012. This is a very important role in the Church of England.
Before becoming Archbishop of Canterbury, Williams was the Bishop of Monmouth and the Archbishop of Wales. He was the first Archbishop of Canterbury in modern times to be chosen from outside the Church of England itself.
During his time as Archbishop, there were many discussions within the Anglican Communion. This is a worldwide family of churches led by the Archbishop of Canterbury. People had different ideas about modern issues, and Williams worked hard to keep everyone talking to each other.
After leaving his role as Archbishop, Williams became the leader (called "master") of Magdalene College, Cambridge. He also became the chancellor of the University of South Wales.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Rowan Williams was born on 14 June 1950 in Swansea, Wales. He grew up in a family that spoke Welsh. His parents were Aneurin and Nancy Delphine Williams. They were Presbyterians who joined the Anglican Church in 1961.
He went to Dynevor School, Swansea, a state school. After that, he studied theology at Christ's College, Cambridge. He did very well, earning top honors.
Then, he went to Wadham College, Oxford, where he earned a Doctor of Philosophy degree in 1975. His special study was on the ideas of a theologian named Vladimir Nikolaievich Lossky.
Becoming a Priest
From 1975 to 1977, Williams taught and trained to become a priest at the College of the Resurrection in Mirfield, West Yorkshire. In 1977, he went back to Cambridge. He taught theology at Westcott House, Cambridge and also served as a chaplain.
He became a deacon on 2 October 1977. A year later, on 2 July 1978, he was ordained as a priest at Ely Cathedral.
Family Life
On 4 July 1981, Rowan Williams married Jane Paul. She is also a writer and teaches theology. They have two children together.
Career Highlights
Starting His Academic and Church Career
After his ordination, Williams worked at St George's Church in Chesterton, Cambridge, from 1980 to 1983. During this time, he also became a university lecturer in divinity at Cambridge.
In 1984, he became the dean of Clare College, Cambridge. At 36, in 1986, he was chosen for a very important teaching role at Oxford, the Lady Margaret Professor of Divinity. This also meant he became a canon at Christ Church Cathedral. In 1990, he became a Fellow of the British Academy.
Becoming a Bishop and Archbishop
On 5 December 1991, Williams was chosen to be the Bishop of Monmouth in the Church in Wales. He became a bishop on 1 May 1992.
In December 1999, he was also elected as the Archbishop of Wales. He continued to be Bishop of Monmouth at the same time.
In 2002, he was chosen to follow George Carey as the Archbishop of Canterbury. This is the most senior bishop in the Church of England. The Archbishop of Canterbury is seen as a leader who helps unite the Anglican churches around the world.
Williams was the first Archbishop of Canterbury since the English Reformation to come from outside the Church of England. His election was confirmed on 2 December 2002. He officially became the 104th Archbishop of Canterbury on 27 February 2003.
As Archbishop of Canterbury, Williams had many important roles. He was a special visitor to universities like King's College London and University of Kent. He also received many special degrees from universities around the world.
Williams is very good with languages. He speaks or reads eleven languages, including English, Welsh, French, German, Russian, and Latin. He even learned Russian to read the books of Dostoevsky in their original language.
He is also a poet and translates poems. His collection of poems was considered for an award in 2004.
Important Events as Archbishop
In 2005, Prince Charles married Camilla Parker Bowles. Williams led a special service of blessing for them after their civil wedding.
He also led the wedding of Prince William and Catherine Middleton on 29 April 2011.
In November 2011, Williams attended a special church service at Westminster Abbey. This service celebrated 400 years of the King James Bible. Queen Elizabeth and Prince Charles were also there.
When his time as Archbishop was ending, Williams made a TV show about Canterbury Cathedral. In the show, called Goodbye to Canterbury, he talked about his years in the role.
After Being Archbishop
On 17 January 2013, Williams became the 35th Master of Magdalene College, Cambridge. He held this position until September 2020.
In June 2013, he was also appointed as the new chancellor of the University of South Wales. This is a ceremonial role as head of the university.
In 2015, it was reported that Williams wrote a play called Shakeshafte. The play is about a meeting between William Shakespeare and a Jesuit priest. The play was performed in 2016 and was well-liked.
Social Views and Beliefs
Rowan Williams has always been interested in social issues. In the 1980s, he took part in protests against nuclear weapons. He was even arrested once for singing psalms during a protest at an American air base.
After the September 2001 attacks in New York, Williams wrote a book called Writing in the Dust. He reflected on the event and said that understanding why terrorists act is important. He also worked with Muslim leaders in England.
Williams has spoken about different cultures and religions living together. He has visited Hindu temples and met with Islamic leaders to talk about working together.
Views on Money and Fairness
Williams has often talked about how money and the economy should serve people. He believes that economic growth should help everyone, not just a few.
He has supported the Robin Hood tax campaign. This idea suggests a small tax on financial deals to help the poor. He also believes that companies should be fair and responsible.
Views on War and Peace
Williams was against the Iraq War. He believed it went against the rules of the United Nations and Christian teachings. He also worried about how the war would affect people.
In 2007, after visiting Iraqi refugees, he spoke strongly against any idea of attacking Syria or Iran. He called such ideas "criminal, ignorant and potentially murderous."
Working for Church Unity
When Williams became Archbishop of Canterbury, there were some disagreements within the Anglican Communion. He worked to keep different groups talking and tried to find ways for them to stay united.
He set up a group to explore an "Anglican Covenant." This would be an agreement to help Anglican churches work together when making big decisions.
Thoughts on Creationism
Williams has said that creationism should not be taught in schools as a scientific alternative to evolution. He believes that creationism misunderstands the Bible. He supports the idea that evolution is compatible with Christianity.
Working with Other Christian Churches
Williams has a deep interest in other Christian traditions. He studied Russian Orthodox theology for his doctoral degree. He is also involved with groups that promote understanding between Orthodox and Anglican Christians.
He has written about Teresa of Ávila, a Spanish Catholic mystic. When Pope John Paul II died, Williams attended his funeral. This was the first time an Archbishop of Canterbury had attended a Pope's funeral since the 16th century. He also attended the start of Pope Benedict XVI's time as Pope. In 2010, he and Pope Benedict XVI led a service together at Westminster Abbey.
Awards and Honors
Rowan Williams has received many awards and honors throughout his life:
- He was made a life peer in 2013, which means he can speak in the House of Lords.
- He received the Royal Victorian Chain in 2012.
- He is a member of the Privy Council of the United Kingdom.
- He is a Fellow of the British Academy and the Royal Society of Literature.
- He has received many honorary doctorates from universities around the world.
- He has been given the Freedom of the City of Swansea and Canterbury.
Works and Writings
Rowan Williams has written many books and essays on theology, spirituality, and social issues. Some of his notable works include:
- The Wound of Knowledge (1979)
- Resurrection: Interpreting the Easter Gospel (1982)
- Teresa of Avila (1991)
- On Christian Theology (2000)
- Arius: Heresy and Tradition (2001)
- Writing in the Dust: Reflections on 11 September and Its Aftermath (2002)
- Silence and Honey Cakes: The Wisdom of the Desert (2003)
- Tokens of Trust. An introduction to Christian belief. (2007)
- Dostoevsky: Language, Faith and Fiction (2008)
- Faith in the Public Square (2012)
- The Lion's World - A Journey into the Heart of Narnia (2012)
- Being Christian: Baptism, Bible, Eucharist, Prayer (2014)
See also
In Spanish: Rowan Williams para niños
