Justin Welby

Justin Welby was a super important leader in the Church of England, like a captain of a big ship! He was called the Archbishop of Canterbury. Imagine being in charge of lots of churches across a whole country! He had this job for many years, from 2013 until 2025. Before he was a church leader, he worked in a very different job: in the oil business! That's a big change, isn't it?

Justin Welby didn't start out as a church leader. First, he worked for 11 years in the oil industry. That's a long time!

Then, he decided to become a church leader. He went to a special school called St John's College, Durham, to learn all about it. After that, he worked in different churches, helping people.

He became a dean in Liverpool, which is like being a manager for a big church building, and then a bishop in Durham. Finally, he became the Archbishop of Canterbury, the very top job!

Guess what? Justin Welby was a very special guest at some HUGE royal events! He helped with the wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. He also led the big funeral for Queen Elizabeth II, who was a very famous queen. And he was there for the coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla, when they officially became king and queen. These are moments that people all over the world watch!

Justin Welby was a leader who believed in being open and welcoming to everyone. He helped the church welcome women as bishops, which was a new thing! He also supported blessings for same-sex couples. He was inspired by old church traditions and by ideas about helping people in need. He was a very thoughtful leader who cared about many different people and ideas.