Justin Welby

Justin Welby
Born	(1956-01-06) January 6, 1956 Hammersmith, London, England
Occupation	Anglican prelate
Years active	1992–2025 (clergy)
Known for	105th Archbishop of Canterbury

Justin Portal Welby (born 6 January 1956) is an Anglican prelate who held the position of the 105th archbishop of Canterbury within the Church of England from 2013 until 2025.

Before entering the clergy, Welby spent eleven years working in the oil sector. He then pursued theological training at St John's College, Durham. Following his ordination, he undertook various parish responsibilities, was appointed dean of Liverpool in 2007, and later became bishop of Durham in 2011. After serving just over a year in Durham, he succeeded Rowan Williams as archbishop of Canterbury in February 2013.

During his archiepiscopacy, Welby led significant ceremonies such as the wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, the state funeral of Elizabeth II, and the coronation of Charles III and Camilla. His leadership witnessed notable developments including the Church of England’s first female bishop ordination and the establishment of blessings for same-sex partnerships. Welby’s theological stance is identified with the "open evangelical" stream within Anglicanism.

In January 2025, Welby stepped down from his role as archbishop following a report that criticized his lack of action regarding abuse allegations against barrister John Smyth.

Family and early life

Welby was born on 6 January 1956 at Queen Charlotte's and Chelsea Hospital in Hammersmith, London, nearly nine months after his mother, Jane Gillian Portal (1929–2023), married Gavin Bramhall James Welby (1910–1977).

Childhood and paternity

Jane served as Sir Winston Churchill's personal secretary from 1949 until her marriage in 1955. Prior to marrying, she had a brief relationship with Churchill’s private secretary, Anthony Montague Browne (1923–2013). For many years, Welby believed Gavin Welby to be his biological father until a paternity test in 2016 confirmed that Browne was his biological father.

Gavin Welby, originally Bernard Gavin Weiler, was the son of Bernard Weiler, a German-Jewish immigrant who anglicized the family surname to Welby during the First World War. Gavin ran as a Conservative candidate in the general elections of 1951 and 1955.

Welby has described his early years as "chaotic." Both parents struggled with alcoholism; they divorced when he was three years old in 1959, after which he lived under Gavin’s guardianship. In 1960, Gavin became engaged to actress Vanessa Redgrave, but the engagement was broken off due to adverse family opinions. Gavin died in 1977 from alcohol-related health issues.

Jane ceased drinking in 1968 and remarried Charles Williams, a businessman and life peer, in 1975. Williams had ties to the distinguished Quaker Gurney family from Norwich and acted as a supportive stepfather. Reflecting on her passing in 2023, Welby described it as "a privilege to be her son."

Extended family

In 2024, Welby revealed that through his biological father Anthony Montague Browne, he is a great-great-great-grandson of Sir James Fergusson, 4th Baronet (1765–1838), who owned plantations in Jamaica and received compensation from the British Government in 1837 following the abolition of slavery. This ancestry also connects him to Admiral Adam Duncan and Robert Stewart, an illegitimate son of King James V of Scotland.

Welby's maternal grandmother was journalist and historian Iris Butler (1905–2002). Her brother, Rab Butler, held prominent UK government positions including Chancellor of the Exchequer, Home Secretary, Deputy Prime Minister, and Foreign Secretary during the mid-20th century. Rab Butler also served as Master of Trinity College, Cambridge — where Welby studied. Their father, Sir Montagu Sherard Dawes Butler, Welby's great-grandfather, was Governor of the Central Provinces in British India and Master of Pembroke College, Cambridge. The Butler family lineage includes notable figures such as George Butler (Harrow School headmaster), Henry Montagu Butler (Master of Trinity College), and John Colenso, the first Bishop of Natal.

Welby's maternal grandfather was Gervas Portal, half-brother to Charles Portal, who served as Chief of the Air Staff during World War II. Gervas's mother Rose Leslie Portal (née Napier) descended from General Sir William Napier and Caroline Amelia Fox. The Napier brothers were sons of Sir George Napier and Lady Sarah Lennox. Caroline Fox descended from General Henry Edward Fox and Whig politician Charles James Fox; both were descendants of Henry Fox, 1st Baron Holland. Caroline Fox and Sarah Lennox were daughters of Charles Lennox, 2nd Duke of Richmond — linking Welby genealogically to Charles II through his mistress Louise de Kérouaille.

Education

Welby attended St Peter's School, Seaford between 1964 and 1968 before continuing his education at Eton College. He pursued higher studies at Trinity College, Cambridge, an institution once led by his great-uncle, Rab Butler, who served as Master. Welby completed his undergraduate degree in history and law in 1978, earning a Bachelor of Arts. Subsequently, he was elevated to the rank of Master of Arts by seniority.

In a 2013 interview with The Daily Telegraph, Welby recounted his spiritual awakening while at Trinity College. Although he had a vague belief in God during his time at Eton, he lacked genuine interest. On 12 October 1975, during prayer with a Christian companion in Cambridge, he experienced "a clear sense of something changing," which he identified as the presence of God—an experience that initially caused him some embarrassment. In 2014, he elaborated that after attending an unconvincing "evangelistic address," his friend simply explained the Gospels to him, which led to his recognition of God's presence. Welby regards his Cambridge years as a pivotal period in his personal faith journey.

He has also mentioned that he began practicing speaking in tongues at the age of 19.

Career in the oil industry

Welby dedicated eleven years to the oil sector, including a five-year tenure with the French firm Elf Aquitaine based in Paris. In 1984, he assumed the role of treasurer at Enterprise Oil plc in London, where he concentrated on projects in West Africa and the North Sea oil fields. Part of this period involved working in Nigeria. He stepped down from this executive position in 1989 after sensing a vocational call towards ordination.

In July 2013, following the release of the Parliamentary Commission on Banking Standards report, Welby observed that senior banking leaders frequently chose to "plead ignorance" when confronted with challenging information. He admitted that he might have behaved similarly under such circumstances and warned against penalizing bankers through public humiliation, comparing such actions to a "lynch mob."

Ordination and church ministry

After initially being declined ordination by John Hughes, Welby later received approval with backing from Sandy Millar of Holy Trinity Brompton. Identifying with the charismatic evangelical tradition within the Church of England, Welby stated in 2019 that he engages in daily prayer involving speaking in tongues.

Between 1989 and 1992, he studied theology at Cranmer Hall and St John's College, Durham, attaining both a BA and a Diploma in Ministry. He was ordained as a deacon in 1992 and as a priest in 1993 by Bishop Simon Barrington-Ward at Coventry Cathedral. His early ministry included serving as curate at Chilvers Coton and Astley from 1992 to 1995, followed by roles as rector of St James' Church, Southam, and vicar of St Michael and All Angels, Ufton from 1995 until 2002.

In 2002, Welby was appointed canon residentiary at Coventry Cathedral and co-directed international ministry efforts at the International Centre for Reconciliation. By 2005, he had advanced to sub-dean and Canon for Reconciliation Ministry.

He became Dean of Liverpool in December 2007 and was officially installed at Liverpool Cathedral on 8 December.

Welby has contributed extensively to discussions on ethics and finance through publications such as Managing the Church?: Order and Organisation in a Secular Age and Explorations in Financial Ethics. His academic research addressed corporate sin and responsibility, culminating in his dissertation titled Can Companies Sin?: "Whether", "How" and "Who" in Company Accountability (1992). His spiritual development has been influenced by Benedictine and Franciscan Anglican traditions along with Catholic social teaching.

In 2011, Welby was appointed Bishop of Durham, describing the position as an honour accompanied by a commitment to fostering a spiritually vibrant church dedicated to Christ and community service. His election was confirmed at York Minster on 29 September 2011; consecration took place there on 28 October by Archbishop John Sentamu, followed by his enthronement at Durham Cathedral on 26 November. He entered the House of Lords as a Lord Spiritual on 12 January 2012 and gave his inaugural speech on 16 May.

Welby joined the Parliamentary Commission on Banking Standards in 2012 and also held the presidency of the National Churches Trust.

Archbishop of Canterbury

Justin Welby was named Archbishop of Canterbury on 9 November 2012. At first, he regarded the appointment as almost unbelievable due to his relatively short experience as a bishop. His formal confirmation occurred at St Paul's Cathedral on 4 February 2013, legally instating him in the role. The next day, he was inducted into the Privy Council of the United Kingdom, with the official warrant issued on 12 February and his oath taken on 13 March.

His enthronement took place at Canterbury Cathedral on 21 March 2013, aligning with the Anglican calendar's observance of Thomas Cranmer.

On 14 June 2013, Welby made an official visit to the Vatican, where he met prominent figures including Cardinal Kurt Koch, had an audience with Pope Francis, and prayed at notable papal tombs.

In a July 2013 interview with The Daily Telegraph, Welby shared insights into his spiritual life and beliefs:

• He confirmed that speaking "in tongues" is a regular part of his spiritual routine.
• He dismissed the idea that a personal conversion experience is essential for authentic Christianity.
• Reflecting on his challenging youth, he highlighted the transformative power of grace.
• He portrayed his relationship with Jesus as both deeply personal and awe-inspiring.
• Welby described himself as a "spiritual magpie," drawing inspiration from Catholic traditions such as Benedictine contemplation and Ignatian self-reflection, supported by guidance from a Roman Catholic spiritual director.
• Addressing critiques that the church fails to contribute to social improvement, he pointed to its extensive voluntary efforts—amounting to 23 million hours monthly—and growth in programs like food banks, underscoring how genuine spirituality fosters social unity.

In January 2019, Welby minimized concerns about Anglican clergy converting to the Roman Catholic Church, expressing openness to devoted followers regardless of their denomination.

Throughout his leadership, Welby guided significant milestones including the ordination of Libby Lane, the Church’s first female bishop in 2014, and sanctioned blessings for same-sex couples in 2023. He presided over major ceremonies such as the wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in 2018, the funeral of Elizabeth II in 2022, and the coronation of Charles III and Camilla in 2023.

Resignation

In November 2024, following the release of the Makin Review, an independent investigation into how the Church handled abuse allegations against barrister John Smyth at Christian camps during the 1970s and 1980s, members of the General Synod of the Church of England called for Archbishop Justin Welby's resignation. The report criticized him for not acting on claims that subordinates reported concerns to police after Welby was informed in 2013 and suggested it was "unlikely" that he was unaware of allegations against Smyth during the period in question.

Although initially refusing to step down, on 12 November 2024 Welby announced his decision to resign after discussions with King Charles III, who serves as Supreme Governor of the Church of England. He took "personal and institutional responsibility" for what he described as a "long-maintained conspiracy of silence" surrounding Smyth’s abuses and expressed hope that his resignation would signal the Church's dedication to reform and safeguarding.

On 20 November, Lambeth Palace confirmed that Welby would conclude official duties by 6 January 2025, delegating responsibilities temporarily to the Archbishop of York. The precise date for ending his tenure would be determined by the Privy Council.

Stephen Cottrell, Archbishop of York, regarded Welby's resignation as both "right and honourable," while other bishops acknowledged his leadership despite serious safeguarding shortcomings. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer expressed respect for Welby's choice despite having withheld earlier support.

Welby's departure sparked calls for additional senior clergy implicated in covering up Smyth’s abuses to resign. The Bishop of Birkenhead, Julie Conalty, affirmed that while Welby's actions were appropriate, his resignation alone would not resolve ongoing safeguarding challenges within the Church. UK Minister for Health and Social Care Wes Streeting, speaking as an Anglican himself, concurred on Welby's resignation but emphasized deeper cultural issues needing attention.

During his final address in the House of Lords on 5 December 2024, Welby faced criticism over a tone deemed unsuitable given recent events. He subsequently apologized and expressed feeling "profoundly ashamed" for his remarks.

Welby completed official duties on 6 January 2025—his 69th birthday—with responsibilities temporarily passed to Stephen Cottrell, alongside Sarah Mullally, Bishop of London, and Rose Hudson-Wilkin, Bishop of Dover until a successor is appointed. His resignation became effective at midnight on 7 January 2025 as formalized by the King-in-Council on 18 December.

Iwerne camps and John Smyth

In February 2017, Welby issued a full apology after reports surfaced accusing barrister and evangelical Christian John Smyth of physically abusing boys during the late 1970s, primarily targeting students at Winchester College, resulting in enduring harm. Smyth held a prominent role within the Christian charity Iwerne Trust throughout the 1970s and 1980s. For many years, these allegations were concealed by the church, ultimately leading to Smyth being asked to leave the United Kingdom.

Welby’s early Christian development was connected to the Iwerne camp network established by Eric Nash. Between roughly 1975 and 1978, he worked as a dormitory supervisor at these camps, coinciding with the timeframe of Smyth’s abusive conduct. Allegations suggest that from 1978 until 1981, Smyth continued to subject boys and university students to severe physical punishment; a report documenting these abuses was compiled in 1982 but only reached law enforcement in 2013.

In 2017, Welby characterized Smyth as "charming" and "delightful," mentioning limited interactions such as receiving a Christmas card and meeting him once in Paris during the 1990s. Initially, Welby claimed no involvement with the camps after relocating abroad in 1978; however, it later emerged he had spoken at one of the camps and received newsletters during that period. Biographer Andrew Atherstone noted Welby’s participation in the camps extended into his university years and theological training into the early 1990s.

A survivor reported Smyth’s abuse to the Church of England in 2012, with Welby being notified in 2013; Welby asserted this was his initial awareness of the misconduct. Nevertheless, a senior Church official later implied that all senior members of the trust, including Welby, were aware of allegations even while overseas. Some survivors questioned when Welby first obtained knowledge, describing him as a passive "observer" who failed to take appropriate action. Welby maintained he was not part of Smyth’s close circle and emphasized that supporting survivors took precedence over institutional concerns.

An independent inquiry conducted in 2024 determined that Smyth’s abuses encompassed physical, psychological, and occasionally sexual violence, concluding that the Church concealed these accusations for more than thirty years. The review criticized Welby for downplaying Smyth’s behaviour and neglecting to inform church leaders in Cape Town about potential risks. It confirmed Welby was informed in August 2013 but did not ensure that authorities were notified. While some subordinates claimed police had been alerted, law enforcement responses were insufficient: Cambridgeshire Police failed to log crimes; Metropolitan Police referred cases to Hampshire Police, which initially declined investigations until media scrutiny intensified. Smyth passed away in 2018 without facing prosecution.

After the report's publication, Welby initially resisted calls to resign. However, following demands from over 1,500 church members for his resignation, he announced on 12 November 2024 his intention to step down as Archbishop of Canterbury.

In March 2025, Welby publicly declared that he had "forgiven" Smyth.

Support for Paula Vennells

Welby encountered criticism for endorsing Paula Vennells, former chief executive of the British Post Office, despite the organisation prosecuting numerous sub-postmasters over mistakes linked to the Horizon IT system. Canon Jeremy Haselock, previously chaplain to Queen Elizabeth, called for Welby’s resignation following reports that he supported Vennells’ candidacy for Bishop of London, one of the Church’s highest-ranking positions.

In the introduction to his 2018 publication Reimagining Britain, released amid legal proceedings involving 555 postmasters, Welby acknowledged that Vennells had "shaped my thinking over the years." In February 2019, after more than 900 sub-postmasters had been prosecuted, she was appointed to serve on the Church's Ethical Investment Advisory Group. In 2024, Welby conceded that "more questions should have been asked" concerning the Horizon controversy and stated that the Church "will need to reflect on it."

Dispute with the Global South Fellowship of Anglican Churches

On 20 February 2023, bishops representing the Global South Fellowship of Anglican Churches announced that they no longer acknowledged Welby as the leader of the Anglican Communion. This decision was a direct response to the Church of England's move to bless same-sex marriages, resulting in a major rift within the Communion.

Brexit and austerity

In February 2018, Welby voiced his apprehension that Brexit was causing divisions within UK society and criticized the United Kingdom government austerity programme for negatively impacting vulnerable populations. He remarked:

By August 2019, Welby called on EU Remainers to cease complaining and to accept the outcome of the 2016 Brexit referendum.

COVID-19

Welby received his initial COVID-19 vaccine dose in January 2021, praising the swift development of the vaccine as "an answer to prayer" and a vital element in overcoming the pandemic. He also condemned the spread of "malicious rumour-mongering" surrounding the crisis.

He drew attention to how the COVID-19 pandemic in the United Kingdom exacerbated pre-existing social inequalities. Welby engaged with families who had lost loved ones and contributed tributes to the National Covid Memorial Wall, commemorating those who died from COVID-19. In April 2021, he advocated for an expedited commencement of a public inquiry into how the pandemic was managed.

Environmental sustainability

In 2021, Welby joined forces with Pope Francis and Bartholomew I, Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople, to release a joint statement emphasizing the critical need for environmental sustainability.

Food banks

In 2013, Welby firmly opposed reductions in UK government welfare benefits, linking these cuts to the rise in food bank usage. He referenced a Church of England study revealing that 35% of Durham food bank users referred by social services had not received the benefits they were entitled to. Welby stressed the importance of a strict referral system for food bank distribution and disputed contradictory statistics presented by then-Parliamentary Under Secretary Lord Freud.

Prior to Christmas 2013, Welby encouraged people to allocate 10% of their festive spending to support food banks. By December 2014, he expressed alarm at the growing dependence on food banks across the UK, describing it as "shocking" and "a very sad fact," while also viewing it as an opportunity for the Church to show compassion.

Fuel suppliers

In 2013, Welby raised concerns about the escalating energy costs in the UK, underscoring that energy providers bear responsibilities to customers beyond merely seeking profits. He pointed out the harsh consequences for low-income families and insisted that companies supplying essential energy services must justify their practices and act with social responsibility.

General election

Before the 2017 UK general election, Welby joined Archbishop of York John Sentamu in calling for action on poverty, education, housing, and healthcare. They highlighted the necessity for inclusive educational opportunities, urgent housing interventions, community cohesion, and a strong health service dedicated to supporting vulnerable groups.

High-interest lending

In July 2013, Welby condemned payday lending and held discussions with Wonga’s CEO Errol Damelin. He committed Church of England backing for credit unions as viable alternatives to expensive payday loans, cautioning against outlawing legal payday lending due to potential unintended consequences pushing borrowers toward illegal lenders. Welby criticized payday lenders’ advertising as deceptive and emphasized how difficult it is for borrowers to break free from debt cycles.

Shortly thereafter, it was revealed that the Church of England’s pension fund had stakes in Accel Partners, a venture capital firm investing in Wonga. This revelation led to accusations of inconsistency; Welby described the investment as "very embarrassing" and acknowledged that neither he nor the Church’s Ethical Investment Advisory Group had been informed. He also proposed reviewing investment policies that allow holdings in companies earning up to 25% of their revenue from gambling, alcohol, or high-interest lending.

Inequality

Welby has expressed concern regarding inequality within the UK, declaring in 2017 that "Our economic model is broken" and emphasizing the necessity for fundamental economic reforms to tackle the widening divide between wealthy and poor. He lauded the welfare state as a Christian heritage inspired by figures such as R. H. Tawney, William Temple, and William Beveridge. In 2021, he observed that the COVID-19 crisis exacerbated inequalities and called for creating "a new Beveridge."

His influence in politics has been recognized by the New Statesman, which ranked him as the twenty-seventh most powerful left-wing figure in the UK, citing his advocacy for refugee rights, opposition to austerity measures, and critique of gig economy practices.

Islam

In 2014, Welby recognized concerns regarding Muslim youth traveling abroad to join jihadist movements but characterized their numbers as "exceptionally low," warning against fostering a culture of fear. By 2015, he endorsed British air strikes targeting ISIS in Syria. Welby sees the roots of Islamic extremism as extending beyond militant groups like ISIS and Al-Qaeda, criticizing Gulf monarchies and Saudi Arabia for promoting religious doctrines that have indirectly provided ideological support to ISIL.

During a 2016 interview, Welby contended that refusing to acknowledge ISIS’s ties to Islam obstructs efforts to counter extremism, emphasizing the necessity of grasping the religious motivations that fuel such violence. He likewise questioned attempts to dismiss the connections between Christian militias and Christianity in conflicts such as those involving the Anti-balaka in the Central African Republic.

Judaism

In July 2023, Welby participated in an interfaith gathering organized by the Board of Deputies of British Jews at Bevis Marks Synagogue in London, donning a kippah as a sign of respect. He engaged with historian Simon Sebag Montefiore and underscored that nations with significant Jewish populations tend to prosper. Welby warned about the perils of unchecked antisemitism, drawing on the example of Nazi Germany’s history and cautioning that such hatred quickly becomes entrenched and tolerated if left unchallenged.

Modern slavery

Welby denounces modern slavery as a grave violation of human rights and allied with Pope Francis and other religious leaders—including representatives from Buddhist, Hindu, Jewish, and Muslim faiths—in a joint commitment aimed at eradicating modern slavery by 2020. This pledge condemned forced labor, human trafficking, prostitution, and organ trade, rejecting all forms of exploitation that undermine human dignity, freedom, and equality.

Palestine and the International Court of Justice advisory opinion

On 2 August 2024, Welby voiced his support for the International Court of Justice’s advisory opinion issued on 19 July, which declared Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territories unlawful and called for its swift termination. He made this declaration following a two-week period of reflection.

Persecution of Christians

Welby has raised alarms about the persecution faced by Christians in areas such as the Middle East, drawing attention to the dangers encountered by worshippers. He specifically highlighted the extreme suffering and killings inflicted upon Christians and other religious minorities in Iraq, constituting violations of article 18 in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Furthermore, Welby pointed to ongoing oppression in Syria, South Sudan, and the Central African Republic, urging the UK government to provide refuge for those fleeing persecution.

Poverty

In March 2013, Welby criticized UK government policies that capped benefits below inflation levels, stressing society’s responsibility to protect its most vulnerable members. He cautioned that these measures would disproportionately impact children and families amid rising expenses for necessities such as food, energy, and housing.

During Christmas 2013, Welby encouraged Christians to actively serve impoverished communities and address poverty’s underlying causes despite signs of economic recovery. His Easter 2013 address highlighted persistent challenges including family breakdowns, hunger, debt burdens, and social isolation among asylum seekers.

Welby reiterated the call for collective compassion toward marginalized groups in both 2017 and 2021, referencing influential Christian reformers like William Beveridge and William Temple, whose work shaped Britain’s post-war welfare system. He emphasized that personal accountability must accompany policy initiatives.

He has maintained that genuine justice depends on decisions rooted in truth and serving the common good rather than being influenced by class or wealth disparities. Quoting Nelson Mandela, Welby framed poverty as an issue of justice rather than mere charity. Addressing financial hardships—including energy costs and access to credit unions—forms a key part of his vision for Christian responsibility.

Drawing attention to income instability in 2018, Welby observed that many people struggle to manage budgets or save money due to irregular earnings, which negatively affects their living standards. He also acknowledged ongoing deprivation within certain UK communities trapped in poverty despite overall economic progress.

Refugees

Welby stands against limiting the entry of child refugees into the UK, drawing attention to their heightened risk of exploitation and harm. He underscores the UK's longstanding tradition of providing refuge to vulnerable individuals, advocating for ensuring safety, freedom, and opportunities for all displaced persons.

Sexuality and same-sex marriage

In 2013, Welby expressed that sexual activity outside the bounds of marriage—regardless of orientation—is morally wrong, reaffirming traditional views on sexual ethics. While he upholds the biblical understanding of marriage as a union between one man and one woman and opposes same-sex marriage, he firmly rejects homophobia and encourages attentive listening to LGBT voices.

Welby recognizes the pastoral complexities involved in addressing gay relationships and acknowledges the genuine qualities present in some same-sex partnerships. He has voiced concerns that special blessings for such couples might conflict with church traditions and scriptural teachings but emphasizes the importance of discovering a respectful and faithful approach without fear.

In 2016, Welby appointed Nicholas Chamberlain, a bishop living in a celibate same-sex relationship, demonstrating support for clergy adhering to church guidelines on celibate same-sex partnerships. By 2017, Welby admitted uncertainty regarding aspects of human sexuality and highlighted love and faithfulness as key elements in relationships while striving to remain loyal to tradition and scripture.

He differentiates opposition to homosexual acts from homophobia and in 2023 endorsed Church of England proposals permitting prayers of thanksgiving and blessing for same-sex couples—although he personally refrains from performing these blessings due to his role as a unifying leader within the Anglican Communion. In November 2023, he endorsed trial standalone blessings for same-sex couples, marking the first occasion a sitting Archbishop of Canterbury has backed such initiatives.

In October 2024, Welby shared his personal belief that sexual intimacy—whether between opposite or same-sex partners—should take place within committed relationships such as marriage or civil partnerships. Lambeth Palace clarified this represents his individual viewpoint rather than official Church of England doctrine.

Social injustice

In 2018, Welby highlighted that social injustice is deeply rooted and widespread throughout British society, citing the gig economy as a significant example. He pointed out that those most vulnerable receive the least secure pensions while those better off enjoy more reliable provisions, emphasizing how entrenched inequality fosters societal instability, division, and fuels racism, antisemitism, Islamophobia, and xenophobia.

Taxation

In December 2017, Welby denounced tax avoidance, criticizing how many affluent corporations pay disproportionately low taxes compared to their turnover. He condemned transfer pricing tactics and stressed that companies benefiting from societal infrastructure must contribute equitably to economic fairness.

By September 2018, Welby reiterated that paying tax is an essential civic responsibility and insisted multinational corporations should contribute fairly based on domestic earnings. He acknowledged that some individuals and businesses evade paying their fair share.

Welby further criticized tax strategies employed by major online firms like Amazon in 2018, highlighting their minimal tax payments despite reliance on public services. He noted that such avoidance shifts financial burdens onto taxpayers who fund wages, defense, education, and welfare while these companies underinvest in employee training and apprenticeship programs.

In October 2022, Welby openly opposed UK government policies introducing tax cuts favoring wealthy individuals while disproportionately disadvantaging lower-income groups.

Universal credit

Welby has voiced strong opposition to Universal Credit, arguing in September 2018 that its implementation was detrimental to those living in poverty and calling for its suspension. He remarked:

Women bishops

Welby has been a firm advocate for the Anglican practice of consecrating women as bishops. In November 2013, he articulated his ambition to see women ordained as bishops, while also respecting those who held opposing views. By February 2014, he urged Anglicans to move beyond fear and prejudice, highlighting the necessity for cultural transformation within the church’s governance and procedures:

He promoted careful management of episcopal appointments to avoid alienating opponents of female bishops, seeking to prevent a divisive zero-sum scenario and foster unity through prudence and collaboration. The revised legislation permitting the ordination of women as bishops was approved in July 2014 and enacted into law by November 2014.

Personal life

Welby is married to Caroline Eaton, with whom he has six children. In 1983, their infant daughter Johanna, aged seven months, tragically died in a car accident in France. Welby has described this period as profoundly dark but ultimately drawing them nearer to God. He initiated a dedicated day for grieving parents at Coventry Cathedral, which now holds an annual memorial service honoring children who have passed away.

His daughter Katharine has openly discussed her struggles with mental health, while another daughter, Ellie, lives with learning disabilities. Welby has acknowledged his own privileged upbringing and has been commended for choosing to educate his children in local state schools.

A fluent French speaker and passionate Francophile, Welby has spent time living and working in France. Upon his appointment as Bishop of Durham, his interests were noted as "all things French and sailing."

Books

Welby has authored or co-authored multiple publications, including:

• Dethroning Mammon: Making Money Serve Grace (2017)
• In This Light: Thoughts for Christmas (2018)
• Reimagining Britain: Foundations for Hope (2018)
• The Power of Reconciliation (2021)
• Wild Bright Hope: Reflections on Faith (2025)

Honours

In recognition of his role in the Coronation of Charles III and Camilla, Welby was appointed Knight Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order (GCVO) during the 2024 New Year Honours.

External links

• Welcome Justin Welby: Archbishop of Canterbury, full profile and history – Premier UK
• Is reconciliation with Islam possible? – DSE Over blog (French)
• Religion & Ethics – BBC, featuring Welby's ministry at Coventry Cathedral
• House of Lords debate on Nigeria, including Welby's ethical research
• Welby on abortion as "delayed contraception"