George Carey
George Carey, Baron Carey of Clifton, served as the Archbishop of Canterbury from 1991 to 2002. During his tenure, the Church of England ordained its first women priests, and significant debates arose regarding homosexuality. His later years were marked by controversy surrounding his handling of sex abuse allegations against Bishop Peter Ball.
Key Facts
- ›Archbishop of Canterbury from 1991 to 2002.
- ›During his time, the Church of England ordained its first women priests.
- ›The 1998 Lambeth Conference, which he presided over, saw prominent debate on attitudes to homosexuality.
- ›Resigned from his last formal church role in 2017 following an investigation into his handling of sex abuse allegations against Bishop Peter Ball.
- ›Was the first Archbishop of Canterbury since the Middle Ages not to be a graduate of Oxford or Cambridge.
- ›Retired in 2002 and was created a life peer as Baron Carey of Clifton.
- Presided Over the Ordination of the First Women Priests In the Church of England.
- Presided Over the 1998 Lambeth Conference.
- Authored the Book 'the Church In the Market Place'.
- Published His Memoirs, 'Know the Truth', In 2004, the First Former Archbishop of Canterbury To Do So.
About George Carey
George Carey, Baron Carey of Clifton
George Leonard Carey, Baron Carey of Clifton, served as the Archbishop of Canterbury from 1991 to 2002. He was born on 13 November 1935 in the East End of London and attended local schools before serving in the Royal Air Force. Carey's faith journey led him to seek ordination, and after studying at King's College London and the University of London, he was ordained and pursued further theological study, earning a Master of Theology and a Ph.D.
Life and Historical Context
Carey's episcopal career began with curacies and vicarages, including a period as Vicar of St Nicholas' Church, Durham, where he wrote a book on his experiences. He then served as Principal of Trinity College, Bristol, before being appointed Bishop of Bath and Wells in 1987. His appointment as Archbishop of Canterbury in 1991 was influenced by Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher. During his time as Archbishop, the Church of England took significant steps, including the ordination of its first women priests. A defining event of his tenure was presiding over the 1998 Lambeth Conference, which became a focal point for debates on homosexuality within the Anglican Communion.
Major Contributions and Controversies
As Archbishop, Carey was instrumental in the ordination of women priests. However, his tenure was also marked by significant controversy, particularly concerning his handling of sex abuse allegations against Bishop Peter Ball. An independent investigation in 2017 found that Carey had failed to pass crucial information to the police, leading to criticism and his resignation from his last formal church role. He also held strong views on homosexuality, opposing same-sex relationships among clergy and supporting the 1998 Lambeth Conference resolution against homosexual practice.
Post-Retirement and Legacy
Upon retiring in 2002, Carey was created a life peer as Baron Carey of Clifton. He continued to be active in public discourse, expressing views on various social and religious matters, including inter-faith dialogue, migration, and Anglican unity. He was the first former Archbishop of Canterbury to publish his memoirs. Despite his retirement from formal church roles, his legacy remains a subject of discussion, particularly regarding his leadership during a period of significant change and controversy within the Church of England.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When was George Carey Archbishop of Canterbury?
George Carey served as the Archbishop of Canterbury from 1991 to 2002.
What significant events occurred during George Carey's time as Archbishop?
During his tenure, the Church of England ordained its first women priests, and the debate surrounding attitudes to homosexuality became more prominent, particularly at the 1998 Lambeth Conference.
What controversy surrounded George Carey after his retirement?
In June 2017, an investigation found that Carey had covered up serious sex abuse allegations against Bishop Peter Ball by failing to pass all relevant information to the police. This led to him resigning his last formal church role.
What were George Carey's views on homosexuality?
Carey opposed homosexual relationships among clergy and actively supported the 1998 Lambeth Conference's resolution that rejected all homosexual practice as incompatible with scripture. He also voted against equalizing the age of consent for homosexual men.
What is George Carey's background before becoming Archbishop?
George Carey was born in the East End of London and worked for the London Electricity Board before his National Service in the Royal Air Force. He later studied theology and was ordained, eventually earning a Ph.D. from the University of London.
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