Archbishop of Canterbury Age. Everything you need to know

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Justin Portal Welby is a prominent British bishop who has held the distinguished position of the 105th Archbishop of Canterbury since 2013. His journey to this significant role was marked by a diverse background, a successful business career, and a profound spiritual awakening.

Biography

Justin Welby’s life began in Hammersmith, London, on January 6, 1956. His mother, Jane Gillian Portal, served as a personal secretary to Sir Winston Churchill. Her marriage to Gavin Bramhall James Welby had initially led Justin to believe that Gavin was his biological father. However, paternity testing in 2016 revealed that he was, in fact, the son of Sir Anthony Montague Browne.

Gavin Welby had a unique background, born as Bernard Gavin Weiler in Ruislip, Middlesex. His family had German-Jewish roots, and they changed their name to Welby during World War I. Gavin ventured into politics as a Conservative candidate in the 1951 and 1955 general elections. Justin’s early years were marked by the challenges posed by his parents’ alcoholism and their eventual divorce in 1959.

His mother’s marriage to Charles Williams, a business executive and cricketer who later became a life peer, brought stability to Justin’s life. Williams was known for his supportive role as a stepfather to Justin.

Education and Spiritual Awakening

Justin Welby’s educational journey took him to St Peter’s School in Seaford, Eton College, and Trinity College, Cambridge. At Cambridge, his great-uncle, Lord Butler of Saffron Walden, was the master. In a significant turning point, Welby experienced a profound spiritual awakening while at Cambridge. He vividly recalled an evening in October 1975 when, during a prayer session with a friend, he felt the presence of something divine for the first time.

This spiritual experience transformed Welby’s perspective on faith, leading him to a deeper commitment to Christianity. He described it as a major moment of self-realization in his life.

How old is Archbishop of Canterbury?

Justin Portal Welby was born on January 6, 1956. As of 2023, he is 67 years of age.

Ministry and Leadership

Justin Welby’s theological views align with the “open evangelical” tradition within Anglicanism. He trained for the priesthood at Cranmer Hall and St John’s College, Durham, from 1989 to 1992, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree and a Diploma in Ministry.

He began his ministry as a curate at Chilvers Coton and St Mary the Virgin, Astley, from 1992 to 1995. Later, he became the rector of St James’ Church, Southam, and then the vicar of St Michael and All Angels, Ufton, both in the Diocese of Coventry.

His commitment to ethics and finance is evident in his writings and work on the relationship between these two domains. Welby’s dedication to reconciliation ministry was showcased during his time at Coventry Cathedral.