Coggan, Donald, Baron

▪ 2001

      British cleric (b. Oct. 9, 1909, London, Eng.—d. May 17, 2000, near Winchester, Eng.), served as Anglican archbishop of Canterbury from 1974 to 1980; a prominent theologian and educator, he was the first Evangelical Anglican to become spiritual leader of the Church of England in more than a century. Educated at the University of Cambridge (B.A., 1931) and ordained in 1935, Coggan taught Semitic languages at the University of Manchester from 1931 to 1934 and at Wycliffe College, Toronto, from 1937 to 1944. It was during this period that he allied himself with the Evangelicals, a group within the church known for its missionary zeal. Principal of the London College of Divinity from 1944 to 1956, he was consecrated bishop of Bradford in 1956. He was elevated to archbishop of York in 1961 and succeeded Michael Ramsey as archbishop of Canterbury 13 years later. As spiritual leader of the church, Coggan was noted for his progressive views. He was the first archbishop of Canterbury to support the ordination of women; the church eventually admitted women to the priesthood in 1994. He also used his background in Semitic study to foster relations between Christians and Jews, and he publicly denounced racial intolerance and nuclear arms. Coggan was elevated to a life peerage in 1980. Among his numerous writings were The Ministry of the Word (1945), The Glory of God (1950), Stewards of Grace (1958), Christian Priorities (1963), Convictions (1975), The Name Above All Names (1981), and Mission to the World (1982). He also served on the panel of scholars who produced The New English Bible and The Revised English Bible.

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▪ archbishop of Canterbury

in full  Baron Donald Frederick Coggan 

born October 9, 1909, London, England

died May 17, 2000, near Winchester, Hampshire

      Anglican archbishop of Canterbury from 1974 to 1980, theologian, educator, and the first Evangelical Anglican to become spiritual leader of the church in more than a century.

      Educated at Merchant Taylors' School, London, and St. John's College, Cambridge (B.A. 1931), and ordained priest in 1935, Coggan taught Semitic languages at the University of Manchester (1931–34) and at Wycliffe College, Toronto, Ontario (1937–44), and was principal of the London College of Divinity (1944–56). He was consecrated bishop of Bradford in 1956, elevated to archbishop of York in 1961, and succeeded Michael Ramsey as archbishop of Canterbury in 1974. As spiritual leader of the church, Coggan was noted for his progressive views. He was the first archbishop of Canterbury to support the ordination of women; the church eventually admitted women to the priesthood in 1994. He also used his background in Semitic study to foster relations between Christians and Jews, and he publicly denounced racial intolerance and nuclear arms. In 1980 he was elevated to a life peerage as Baron Coggan of Canterbury and of Sissinghurst in the County of Kent.

      Among Coggan's writings are The Ministry of the Word (1945), The Glory of God (1950), Stewards of Grace (1958), Christian Priorities (1963), Convictions (1975), The Name Above All Names (1981), and Mission to the World (1982). He also served on the panel of scholars who produced the New English Bible.

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