Ramsey, Michael

(Nov. 14, 1904-Apr. 23, 1988). A significant Anglican theologian and Archbishop of Canterbury from 1961 to 1974. His work as a theologian began with The Gospel and the Catholic Church (1936), an ecumenical and biblical study which established his reputation as a major voice in Anglicanism. His later works included The Glory of God and the Transfiguration of Christ (1949), An Era in Anglican Theology: The Development of Anglican Theology between Lux Mundi and the Second World War (1960), and numerous smaller books on various pastoral and theological themes. He was closely involved in ecumenical work between Anglicanism and the Orthodox churches, the Roman Catholic Church, and various Protestant churches through the World Council of Churches. In 1966, while Archbishop of Canterbury, he met with Pope Paul VI. It was through their mutual efforts that the Anglican/Roman Catholic International Commission began its work. As Archbishop of Canterbury, Ramsey presided over especially turbulent years for the Church of England and the Anglican Communion. He wrote extensively about political and theological questions, and he visited all of the provinces of the Anglican Communion. After his retirement from Canterbury, he frequently visited the United States and taught for several years at Nashotah House in Wisconsin. See Anglican-Roman Catholic International Commission (ARCIC).