The Archbishop of Canterbury has announced the recipients of the 2023 Lambeth Awards.

The Archbishop of Canterbury has announced the recipients of the 2023 Lambeth Awards.

An award ceremony was held at Lambeth Palace this afternoon (22nd June 2023) for the 33 recipients, their families and colleagues. It was followed by a special service of Evening Prayer.

The award-winners are from a mix of faith traditions. Some are from the Church of England, but some are from the wider Anglican Communion and others from a mix of denominations and faiths. Some have no faith. 

This year's recipients include poets, educators, activists, clergy, peacemakers as well as many unsung people who have dedicated their working lives to the promotion of faith and in the service of God's witness. Those recognised today work all over the world, as well as the UK. Some are working in New Zealand, Egypt, Russia, Italy, Australia, the USA and the Solomon Islands, or have done so in the past. 

The Archbishop said, “We live in a troubled world, where all around us we see conflict, war, discrimination, division, poverty and deep inequality, but our faith in Jesus gives us hope. We see that hope exemplified in the wonderful service of the people we have recognised today.”  

“Many of the people who have received awards today have worked unseen and unsung, striving for justice, peace, reconciliation, advances in education, worship and prayer. Not all are followers of Jesus Christ, but, through their endeavours, they have made significant contributions to the mutual respect and maintenance of human dignity, which is so vital to spiritual and social health and the flourishing of mankind. The Lambeth Awards shine a light on their outstanding efforts and dedication.”

The Reverend Canon Huw Thomas, MBE – the Cross of St Augustine for Services to the Anglican Communion

For outstanding and selfless service to Churches of the Anglican Communion.

Canon Huw Thomas joined USPG in his 50s, having served in both the Church in Wales and the Church of England (latterly as Canon Treasurer of Liverpool).

He went first to Addis Ababa, where his generous response to the plea by Sudanese refugees for support for establishing Anglican congregations in Gambella laid the foundations for tremendous church growth. Characteristic of his cultural sensitivity, he first obtained the blessing of the Ethiopian Orthodox Patriarch for this mission. The region now forms a vibrant Diocese within the Province of Alexandria.

In 1997 he was called to be Provost of All Saints Cathedral, Cairo, continuing ground-breaking work with Sudanese refugees and providing essential support to (and winning the affection of) the newly ordained Bishop.

When Edwardes College in Peshawar needed a Principal, he responded to the call, staying in post when others left after the 9/11 attacks and working for better East-West understanding.

Returning to the UK at 70, he continued service to his former Province, chairing first the Egypt Diocesan Association and then the Jerusalem and Middle East Church Association until an appeal was made for him to help resolve a complex situation in Algiers for 'some months.' He went with just a suitcase and, five years later, leaves local Algerian Anglicans nurtured through theological studies, and licensed as Lay Ministers. Throughout these years of service, Canon Huw's ministry has demonstrated a commitment to serving others, standing selflessly in solidarity in challenging circumstances and tirelessly promoting deeper understanding between peoples and cultures.