Archbishop of Canterbury receives Durham honorary degree

09/01/2015

Archbishop Justin Welby receives honorary Doctor of Divinity from Durham University.
Archbishop of Canterbury receiving an honorary degree from Durham University. Keith Blundy/Aegies Associates

The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, received an honorary degree from Durham University today in recognition of his ministerial achievements and devotion to his parish communities.

Archbishop Justin, who trained for ordination at Durham University’s Cranmer Hall, received the degree this morning in front of hundreds of students attending the University’s Winter Congregation Ceremony at Durham Cathedral.    

He was presented with the degree by Acting Vice-Chancellor of Durham University, Professor Ray Hudson.

Archbishop Justin said: "To receive this unmerited honour is yet another gift from one of the Church of England's main partners and greatest supports in theological education. I am hugely grateful.

"Durham is one of the greatest centres of Christianity, and I have received its riches again and again. From the wonderful teaching and training of my time at Cranmer Hall, through to the extraordinary privilege of being its Bishop, the home of St Cuthbert has been a blessing to me as to so many.”

The Archbishop was nominated by Professor Alec Ryrie, head of the University’s Department of Theology and Religion, and the Revd Professor Mark McIntosh, former Van Mildert Professor of Divinity at Durham University.

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