Archbishop of Canterbury awards Lambeth Degrees

Friday 14th July 2006

Lambeth degrees can be awarded in Divinity, Law, Arts, Literature, Medicine and Music.

Degrees were awarded as follows:

The Revd Professor Canon Donald Allchin

DD: In recognition of his ecumenical work, particularly in the relationship between Eastern Orthodoxy and the Western tradition and for his teaching and writings on spirituality.

Professor Allchin is an Honorary Professor in the department of Theology and Religious Studies at the University of Wales. Formerly Canon of Canterbury Cathedral and librarian of Pusey House, Oxford. Throughout his career he has been involved with ecumenism and the relationship between Eastern Orthodoxy and the Christianity of the West. A leading Anglican theologian, he has served as Director of the St Theosevia Centre for Christian Spirituality in Oxford. He has also contributed to the Welsh tradition by his studies in Welsh religious poetry and specifically the work of 19th century hymn writer and mystic Ann Griffiths. His study of the Danish Christian leader Grundtvig has been hailed as the definitive in its field.

The Revd Dr. George Lovell

DD: In recognition of his formative work as a teacher, writer, theologian, consultant to a range of churches and church agencies.

Dr. George Lovell is a Methodist minister who gave up full time parish ministry to run AVEC for over 25 years with Roman Catholic sister Catherine Widdicombe. As the title suggests, the organisation worked 'with' churches and the communities that they served to bring coherence and new dynamism to congregations and religious communities. Ranged from one to one counselling to group work and longer courses for ministers from all denominations. Has written three theological books which reflect on the practice and mission of AVEC, showing it had a firm theological basis as well as being grounded in the realities of church and community life.

The Rt Revd Peter Lee

BD: In recognition of his ministry in South Africa, for his scholarly book on the history of the Diocese of Johannesburg, and in establishing the new Diocese of Christ the King, originally part of that Diocese, as its first elected bishop.

Bishop Peter Lee was ordained in the Church of England but has worked in South Africa since 1976. He formed a close Christian partnership in ministry and mission with black South African Christians and in particular, Archbishop Desmond Tutu. Worked with Archbishop Tutu as Canon Missioner of the Diocese of Johannesburg before being elected to be bishop of the new Diocese of Christ the King. In a number of books Bishop Lee has shared his reflections on the Christian ministry of justice in South Africa. Poor Man, Rich Man: the priorities of Jesus and the agenda of the church, (1986), Guard her Children: hope for South Africa today, (1986). His latest book, published in 2005 Compromise and Courage: Anglicans in Johannesburg 1984-1999, researches Anglicans in Johannesburg through an examination of the ministry of successive Anglican Bishops up to and including Bishop Desmond Tutu.

Ms Madeleine Bunting

MLitt: In recognition of her journalistic writings on important social issues, on the place of Christian ideas and practice in modern life, and most recently on the need for deeper understanding and dialogue concerning the place of Muslims in Western society.

A journalist of ever-increasing range and depth for the Guardian and the Tablet writing on the place of religion in modern secular society, on inter-Faith relations, on the mutual understanding of Islam, Christianity and secular society, and on the politics and cultural importance of the environmental crisis. She has also recently begun to explore the complex relations between science and religion. Active in bringing people together from different areas of interest and faith and is about to set up a network of discussants to create new bridges between Christians, non-believers and Muslims. A practising Roman Catholic. Regular contributor to radio & TV. Books: The Model Occupation: The Channel Islands under German Rule, Willing Slaves: Willing Slaves how the Overwork Culture is Ruling our Lives.

Miss Peggy Hartley

MA: In recognition of her dedicated lay service to the Church through diocesan social work, teaching at Lincoln Theological College and for considerable parish work.

Left school at 14 prior to studying for the Civil Service examination which she passed with flying colours. Throughout the war worked for the Post Office as a telegraphist and counter clerk. 1949 obtained Inter-Diocesan Certificate in Social Work. In the 1950s worked in the Diocese of Canterbury and in the 1960s ran the moral welfare work for the Diocese of Lincoln. This work helped to lay the foundations for future diocesan social responsibility departments. Part time, then full time lecturer at Lincoln Theological College, teaching pastoralia, liturgy and worship to male ordinands. 1977-1983: long before the ordination of women she was put in charge of her home parish as a lay person using ordained clergy to celebrate the sacraments. Her loving, calm, confident but non-threatening personality enabled people to see what a woman's ministry could be like.

The Revd Malcolm Johnson

MA: In recognition of his long and extensive pastoral ministry generally and specifically to those on the margins of society, significantly the homeless and those with HIV and AIDS.

Malcolm Johnson's significant parish ministry took place as Rector of St Botolph Aldgate, (1974-1992) where he concentrated on those people on the margins of society, particularly the homeless, gay and lesbian Christians and those who struggled with HIV and AIDS. As director of the crypt centre for the homeless he raised funds so that the annual budget of £3,000 when he arrived rose to £1 million by the time he left. This enabled the board to enlarge the premises, employ 41 full time staff and build a new hall. 15 years on General Synod and educational work included Governor and then Chair of local C of E schools, member of the Court of Governors of the City Polytechnic and Member of the City Corporation's Education Committee. Author of three books.

Mr. Ernest Warrell

MA: In recognition of over forty years' contribution to Church music through conducting, performing, running the choir of King's College London and training organ scholars and clergy in liturgical singing.

Professional Church musician for nearly 70 years. Much of his career at King's College London and within the Diocese of Southwark. Articled pupil under Dr. E.T. Cook at Southwark Cathedral, then after the war assistant organist Southwark Cathedral, 1946-1954, Organist and Director of Music Southwark Cathedral 1968-1976. Lecturer in Music, King's College London 1953-1980, Organist King's College London 1980-1991. He directed the King's Singers both in King's College Chapel and on tour around the country. Trained numerous ordinands to sing the liturgical offices. Current work includes playing the organ at the Wembley Liberal and Progressive Synagogue on Saturdays and is the organist at St Paul's Deptford on Sundays. Numerous choral and organ compositions.

About the Lambeth Degree:

The Lambeth Degree is a real academic award. The candidates are exempt from both residential and examination requirements and the special awards are made on merit in recognition of the recipient's contribution to religious, academic and public life.

The Archbishop of Canterbury's right to grant degrees is derived from Peter's Pence Act of 1533 which empowered the Archbishop to grant dispensations previously granted by the Pope. The practice began during the time when attendance at Oxford and Cambridge, the only universities at that time in England, was frequently disrupted by the difficulty of travel or outbreaks of the plague. The Archbishop was empowered to grant exemption from the residential requirements necessary for a degree.

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