Archbishop of Canterbury to receive Aberdeen University honorary degree

The Archbishop of Canterbury will be awarded an honorary degree by the University of Aberdeen at a special ceremony next month.

The Most Reverend Justin Welby will be presented the degree of Doctor of Divinity in recognition of his contribution to faith and society.

An invite-only ceremony will take place in the Kings College Chapel, in the heart of the ancient university.

Contribution to faith and society

Archbishop Welby sent 11 years in the oil industry before he was ordained in 1992.

From 2002, he was made Canon of Coventry Cathedral where he begun international reconciliation work, including extensive work in Africa and the Middle East.

He was announced as the 105th Archbishop of Canterbury in late 2012.

The Archbishop has mobilised the Church of England against pay-day lenders and gambling machines and has made contributions as a member of the Parliamentary Commission on Banking Standards.

Today, Divinity and Theology degrees at Aberdeen concentrate on the study of Christian faith, life and doctrine in its historical, philosophical, literary, institutional and contemporary contexts.

The University of Aberdeen has offered theological study since its earliest foundation in 1495.

Degree of Doctor of Divinity

University of Aberdeen Principal and Vice-Chancellor, Professor George Boyne, said: “Theological study has been an important part of the University of Aberdeen for more than five centuries, so we are pleased to recognise the Archbishop’s contribution to an area of our work that was ranked first in the UK in the most recent Research Excellence Framework results.”

Professor Sir Iain Torrance, Pro-Chancellor of the University, added: “Within the life of the church, Archbishop Welby has strived to maintain unity within a global ecclesial community which has at times been very divided.

"His work in peacebuilding, reconciliation and forgiveness has been honest and powerful. Furthermore, under his Archepiscopal tenure, women have for the first time been able to be consecrated bishops—in no small part due to his guidance and vision.

“For these and his many other contributions to the ministry of the church, to public theology, and to service of our nation, we are delighted to award him the degree of Doctor of Divinity.”