Laurence of Canterbury
Laurence of Canterbury was the second Archbishop of Canterbury, serving from approximately 604 to 619. As a member of the Gregorian mission sent from Italy, he played a key role in the Christianization of Anglo-Saxons. Despite facing challenges, including pagan backlash after King Æthelberht's death and disputes with native British bishops, Laurence is revered as a saint for his efforts in strengthening the church in England.
Key Facts
- ›Second Archbishop of Canterbury, serving from about 604 to 619.
- ›Member of the Gregorian mission sent from Italy to Christianize the Anglo-Saxons.
- ›Consecrated archbishop by his predecessor, Augustine of Canterbury, during Augustine's lifetime to ensure continuity.
- ›Attempted unsuccessfully to resolve differences with native British bishops.
- ›Faced a crisis following King Æthelberht of Kent's death when his successor abandoned Christianity, but eventually reconverted him.
- ›Revered as a saint after his death in 619.
- Succeeded Augustine As Archbishop of Canterbury.
- Consecrated the Monastery Church Built By Augustine In Canterbury, Dedicated To Saints Peter and Paul.
- Reconverted King Eadbald of Kent To Christianity After He Abandoned the Faith.
About Laurence of Canterbury
Laurence of Canterbury was the second Archbishop of Canterbury, serving in this capacity from approximately 604 until his death on February 2, 619. He was a pivotal figure in the early Christianization of Anglo-Saxon England, having been part of the Gregorian mission dispatched from Rome. His tenure was marked by efforts to consolidate the church's presence and address internal divisions.
Life and Historical Context
Laurence was a monk from Rome before his arrival in England, initially landing at Thanet in 597, though the exact date of his arrival is debated. He was sent back to Pope Gregory I by Augustine of Canterbury to report on the progress of conversion and to carry letters with questions for the Pope. Laurence returned to England with the second group of missionaries in 601. To ensure continuity and prevent damage to the missionary efforts, Augustine consecrated Laurence as his successor before his own death, a practice that was unusual and potentially prohibited by canon law.
Archbishopric and Challenges
As archbishop, Laurence faced the challenge of reconciling the Roman practices with those of the native British bishops, corresponding with them about points of dispute, but without success. A significant crisis arose in 616 with the death of King Æthelberht of Kent. His successor, Eadbald, abandoned Christianity, leading to a pagan backlash that forced some missionaries to flee. Laurence remained in Britain and is credited with reconverting Eadbald to Christianity, a story famously recounted by Bede, involving a vision of Saint Peter.
Legacy
Laurence died in 619 and was buried in the abbey of St Peter and Paul in Canterbury, later renamed St Augustine's Abbey. He came to be regarded as a saint, with his feast day celebrated on February 3rd. His time as archbishop is primarily remembered for his unsuccessful attempts to unite with the Celtic church and his crucial role in reconverting King Eadbald, thereby preserving Christianity in Kent. He was succeeded as archbishop by Mellitus, the Bishop of London.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Laurence serve as Archbishop of Canterbury?
Laurence served as the Archbishop of Canterbury from about 604 until his death on February 2, 619. He was the second to hold this important ecclesiastical office.
What was Laurence's role in the Christianization of England?
Laurence was a key member of the Gregorian mission, sent from Italy with the aim of converting the Anglo-Saxons to Christianity. He arrived in England with Augustine and played a significant part in establishing the church.
Did Laurence face any major challenges during his tenure?
Yes, Laurence faced significant challenges. He attempted to resolve differences with native British bishops without success and dealt with a major crisis when King Æthelberht of Kent died, and his successor, Eadbald, abandoned Christianity. Laurence eventually succeeded in reconverting Eadbald.
How did Laurence ensure continuity in the office of Archbishop?
Laurence was consecrated as archbishop by his predecessor, Augustine of Canterbury, during Augustine's lifetime. This was done to ensure that there would be no gap in leadership and to safeguard the ongoing missionary efforts.
Is Laurence considered a saint?
Yes, Laurence came to be revered as a saint after his death in 619. He is commemorated with a feast day on February 3rd.
Related Archbishops
Mellitus
Mellitus was a key figure in the Gregorian mission to convert Anglo-Saxons to Christianity, serving as the first bishop of London and later the third archbishop of Canterbury. He is known for receiving Pope Gregory I's influential letter suggesting a gradual conversion strategy and for his eventual exile and return to England.
Paulinus of York
Paulinus of York was a Roman missionary and the first Bishop of York, sent as part of the Gregorian mission to Christianize the Anglo-Saxons. He played a crucial role in the conversion of King Edwin of Northumbria and many of his subjects, building churches and baptizing converts. Following Edwin's death, Paulinus returned to Kent and became Bishop of Rochester, receiving a pallium symbolizing his appointment as Archbishop of York, though too late to be effective.
Dunstan
Dunstan was an influential English bishop and Benedictine monk who played a pivotal role in restoring monastic life and reforming the English Church in the 10th century. He served as Abbot of Glastonbury, Bishop of various sees, and eventually Archbishop of Canterbury, gaining widespread veneration for his sanctity and administrative efforts.