The Archbishop of Canterbury has awarded Bishop John the Lanfranc Award for Education and Scholarship for his ‘sustained and outstanding promotion of theology in the Church of England, especially amongst younger clergy’.
The award was presented to him last Friday at his last meeting as Chair of the Council of Lambeth Research Degrees in Theology, a group which he has chaired for the last 12 years. The award citation highlights Bishop John’s commitment ‘to both serving and furthering the theological needs of the Church of England’ and says that his ‘contribution to Theological education has been quietly outstanding.’
Bishop John was Chair of the College of Evangelists between 2010 and 2018, has been a member of the Faith and Order Commission and served on the Council of Ridley Hall, Cambridge. Since 2019 he has convened the Young Priest Theologian Network and his book ‘A Christian Theology of Place’ was shortlisted for the Michael Ramsey Prize for Theological Writing.
Archbishop Justin said: “I’m deeply grateful for Bishop John’s dedication to theological education in the Church of England. His extensive commitment and leadership in this area has made us richer as a church, and amplified voices previously overlooked. He has served humbly and faithfully and has left a lasting impact. Our understanding of God shapes who we are, we discover ourselves as we discover Him. Helping others learn about the nature of God is a crucial pursuit, and I know many will join me in thanking Bishop John for his work in this field.”
Bishop John said: “I was surprised and delighted to receive this award. The pursuit of theology is close to my heart and promoting it has been a reward in itself. To receive an award for doing so is totally unexpected and greatly appreciated.”
The Lanfranc Award for Education and Scholarship was first awarded by Archbishop Justin Welby in March 2016. It is named after Lanfranc, Archbishop of Canterbury from 1070 to 1089, who was a scholar and teacher. Its design incorporates an open bible.
Read the full citation below:
‘Dr John Inge, Bishop of Worcester since 2007, has during his long episcopate committed himself to both serving and furthering the theological needs of the Church of England. He was Chair of the College of Evangelists between 2010 and 2018, and a member of the Faith and Order Commission from 2011-2016; he also served from 2004-10 on the Council of Ridley Hall, Cambridge. From 2009 until his retirement in 2024 he has convened the ‘Young Priest Theologian Network’, a group of priests under the age of forty committed to the study of theology beyond first-degree level; the network has grown and diversified under his care. Since 2012 he has chaired the Council of the Lambeth Research Degrees in Theology Programme (formerly the Archbishop’s Examination in Theology), which awards MPhil and PhD degrees in theology under the aegis of the Archbishop of Canterbury. During his time on the LRDT Council he has overseen its growth to capacity level, as well as the commissioning of the substantive external review of its workings which took place in 2021-2022. The LRDT programme has proved especially valuable to those in active ministry committed to advanced theological study. Bishop John’s contribution to the life and vibrancy of contemporary theology has been significant and timely, responding both to the shrinkage of the theological sector in higher education and the desire among serving ordained ministers to find time and outlets for serious theological inquiry. His own book A Christian Theology of Place (2003) was shortlisted for the Michael Ramsey Prize for Theological Writing. His contribution to Theological education has been quietly outstanding.’
