George Carey

George Carey – Life, Ecclesiastical Career, and Reflections

Discover the life and legacy of George Carey, the English Anglican clergyman who served as Archbishop of Canterbury (1991–2002). Explore his early life, theological positions, controversies, and memorable quotes.

Introduction

George Leonard Carey, born 13 November 1935, is a prominent English Anglican cleric best known for serving as Archbishop of Canterbury from 1991 until 2002. His tenure encompassed important changes and challenges within the Church of England and the wider Anglican Communion, including debates over women’s ordination, human sexuality, and safeguarding. In recent years, his reputation has also been affected by controversy concerning his handling of abuse allegations. This article delves into his life, beliefs, achievements, and lessons we can glean from his story.

Early Life and Family

George Carey was born in the East End of London on 13 November 1935. His father worked as a hospital porter. He attended Bonham Road Primary School in Dagenham and later Bifrons Secondary Modern School in Barking, after failing the 11-plus examination. He left formal schooling at age 15.

Before entering theological work, Carey took a secular job: he worked for the London Electricity Board as an office boy. At age 18, he entered compulsory National Service and served as a wireless operator in the Royal Air Force, including deployment in Iraq.

Youth, Conversion & Education

Around age 17, Carey experienced a religious conversion, which he later described not as a dramatic vision but a quiet conviction of faith. After his military service, he decided to pursue ordination.

To qualify academically, Carey undertook a remarkable burst of study: in roughly 15 months he completed six O-levels and three A-levels. He then studied theology at King’s College London, obtaining a Bachelor of Divinity (2:1) in 1962. He later earned a Master of Theology and a PhD from the University of Durham.

Carey was notably the first Archbishop of Canterbury since medieval times who was not a graduate of Oxford or Cambridge.

Ecclesiastical Career & Achievements

Early Ministry & Academic Work

Following ordination, Carey served as a curate in St Mary’s Islington (1962–1966). He then worked as a lecturer at Oak Hill Theological College in Southgate, followed by service at St John’s Theological College, Nottingham.

In 1975, Carey became Vicar of St Nicholas’ Church in Durham, and under his leadership, the congregation grew substantially. Later, in 1982, he was appointed Principal of Trinity College, Bristol.

Bishopric and Archiepiscopate

In 1987, Carey was consecrated as Bishop of Bath and Wells. Then in 1991, he was confirmed and enthroned as the 103rd Archbishop of Canterbury, succeeding Robert Runcie. His term as Archbishop lasted until 2002.

As Archbishop, Carey presided over a transformative period in the Church of England and the global Anglican Communion. During his tenure:

• The Church of England formally ordained its first women priests.

• He navigated deeply contentious debates on human sexuality, especially during the 1998 Lambeth Conference, where bishops affirmed that homosexual practice was “incompatible with Scripture.”

• Carey also worked toward ecumenical relations, seeking greater unity with Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox traditions.

Upon retirement in 2002, he was created a life peer, taking the title Baron Carey of Clifton and thus entering the House of Lords.

Theological Views, Controversies & Later Life

Theological Stance & Social Positions

George Carey is rooted in the Evangelical tradition within Anglicanism. He was a strong advocate for the ordination of women and, in some statements, went so far as to call opposition to women’s ministry a Gospel issue. On human sexuality, Carey held conservative positions: he opposed the blessing of same-sex relationships and opposed allowing clergy in same-sex partnerships.

He also voiced opinions on broader social and political matters:

• He supported dialogue between Christianity and Islam and at times criticized both extremes.

• He expressed concern about secularization, moral foundations, and the cultural role of Christianity in society.

• Later in life, Carey reversed his earlier opposition to euthanasia and came to support the legalisation of assisted dying in certain contexts.

Safeguarding Controversies

A significant and controversial chapter in Carey’s legacy relates to his handling of clerical abuse allegations. In 2017, following an independent review led by Dame Moira Gibb, it was found that Carey had failed to pass on credible allegations of sexual abuse involving Bishop Peter Ball, thereby participating in a cover-up.

As a consequence:

• Carey resigned his position as honorary assistant bishop in the Diocese of Oxford (his last formal church role).

• His permission to officiate as a priest was revoked in 2020, then later reinstated in 2021.

• In December 2024, Carey submitted his resignation as a priest in the Church of England, relinquishing his final clerical role.

These developments have significantly shaped the public assessment of Carey’s legacy.

Legacy and Influence

George Carey’s impact on Anglicanism is mixed—both significant and contested. Some of his lasting contributions include:

• Advancement of women’s ministry: His tenure and support were instrumental in normalizing women’s ordination within the Church of England.

• Institutional leadership: He led the Anglican Communion through challenging decades with vision for unity and doctrinal clarity.

• Public voice: As Archbishop, he spoke on global issues, interfaith relations, and the Church’s moral role in civic life.

• Cautionary example: His involvement in safeguarding failures serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of accountability and transparency in religious institutions, especially when entrusted with vulnerable people.

Over time, assessments of Carey will continue to balance his leadership and theological influence against the serious criticisms of his actions (and inactions) in abuse cases.

Personality, Character & Approach

George Carey was widely described as a “man of the people” in contrast to more academic or aristocratic church leaders. He was known for being earnest, pragmatic, theologically grounded, and at times firm in convictions.

He often framed Christian faith in terms of engagement with the modern world—believing that the Church should not retreat from cultural challenges but wrestle with them honestly.

While charismatic in his own sphere, Carey was not a flamboyant figure; his style was more pastoral and institutional, seeking consensus, but sometimes criticized for deference or caution.

Selected Quotes of George Carey

Here are some notable reflections attributed to him:

• “One I’ve been passionately committed to, of course, is women’s ministry; I believe solidly in it as a Gospel issue.”

• “When the fire of prayer goes out, the barrenness of busyness takes over.”

• “We’ve got to find ways of confronting the issues that divide — and at the heart of cultural issues, you often find religions.”

• “From a Christian point of view of course we do want a peaceful world … there are forces of good and honor and justice which speak to us of God and his love for us.”

• “God loves us all, wants us all to share his kingdom, has a role for us all.”

• “I believe with all my heart that the Church of Jesus Christ should be a Church of blurred edges.”

These quotations hint at his concerns with faith, unity, social engagement, and the tension between belief and institutional structures.

Lessons from George Carey

1. Leadership in transition requires courage and humility
   Carey’s period as Archbishop coincided with theological, societal, and ethical shifts. A church leader must balance conviction with openness, and willingness to repent when wrong.

2. Belief must be linked to pastoral responsibility
   Holding doctrinal positions is important, but true leadership demands safeguarding, accountability, and care for all, especially the vulnerable.

3. The Church’s role in society is neither retreat nor dominance, but dialogue
   Carey’s efforts in ecumenism and interfaith engagement suggest a posture of listening, challenge, and collaboration, rather than isolation.

4. Legacy is complex and must own both successes and failures
   No life is wholly heroic or faultless. Facing one’s failures publicly, especially in areas of harm, is part of ethical integrity.

5. Institutional power must be matched with transparency
   The controversies in Carey’s later years underline how power in religious institutions must always be counterbalanced by independent oversight and whistleblower protection.

Conclusion

George Carey’s life reflects both the heights and the pitfalls of ecclesiastical leadership in modern times. He rose from modest beginnings to lead the Anglican Communion, guiding key reforms and serving as a public Christian voice. Yet his legacy is also marked by grave accusations of failure to protect victims—a reminder that authority without accountability can lead to tragedy.

To engage with Carey’s story is to confront the complexities of faith, power, institution, and responsibility. His journey offers both inspiration and caution to those who would lead in religious settings.