Who Is Rowan Williams? Age, Biography and Wiki
Born on June 14, 1950, Rowan Williams is a renowned academic, theologian, and Anglican bishop who served as the Archbishop of Canterbury from 2003 to 2012. As of 2025, he is 75 years old. Rowan Williams is known for his profound contributions to theology and his efforts in promoting interfaith dialogue. His leadership during his tenure as Archbishop was marked by addressing contemporary social issues and advocating for a compassionate approach to faith and politics.
| Occupation | Theologians |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | June 14, 1950 |
| Age | 75 Years |
| Birth Place | Swansea, Glamorgan, Wales |
| Horoscope | Gemini |
| Country |
Popularity
Rowan Williams's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
While specific measurements for Rowan Williams are not widely publicized, he maintains a dignified and approachable appearance consistent with his status as a respected academic and religious leader.
- Height: Approximately 5 feet 10 inches (178 cm)
- Weight: Estimated around 160 lbs (72 kg)
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Rowan Williams has been married to his wife, Jane Williams, a fellow academic and scholar, since 1979. They have two daughters together. Throughout his life, Williams has kept relatively private about his personal life, including his relationships, maintaining a focus on his work and ministry. As of 2025, he remains happily married to Jane, balancing his family life with his ongoing contributions to theology and academia.
He was the only child of Aneurin Williams and his wife Nancy Delphine (known as "Del") Williams (née Morris) – Presbyterians who became Anglicans in 1961. He was educated at the state sector Dynevor School, Swansea, before reading theology at Christ's College, Cambridge, whence he graduated with starred first-class honours.
He then went to Wadham College, Oxford, where he studied under A. M. Allchin and graduated with a Doctor of Philosophy degree in 1975 with a thesis entitled The Theology of Vladimir Nikolaievich Lossky: An Exposition and Critique.
Net Worth and Salary
As of 2025, Rowan Williams has an estimated net worth of around $5 million. His income stems from various sources, including his books, speaking engagements, and academic positions. Despite his fame, Williams is known for living a modest lifestyle and prioritizing his spiritual and educational missions ahead of material wealth.
Career, Business and Investments
Rowan Williams has had a distinguished career, shaping theological discussions on a global scale. Following his tenure as Archbishop of Canterbury, he has served in various academic roles, including a position at the University of Cambridge and as the Master of Magdalen College. He has also published numerous books and articles discussing theology, ethics, and contemporary society.
In addition, Williams has been involved in various business ventures focused on literary contributions and public speaking engagements, often addressing topics of faith and philosophy. His involvement in interfaith initiatives also reflects his commitment to fostering understanding across religious divides.
Having spent much of his earlier career as an academic at the universities of Cambridge and Oxford successively, Williams speaks three languages and reads at least nine.
After standing down as archbishop, Williams took up the position of chancellor of the University of South Wales in 2014 and served as master of Magdalene College, Cambridge between 2013 and 2020. He also delivered the Gifford Lectures at the University of Edinburgh in 2013.
Social Network
Rowan Williams is not particularly active on mainstream social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok but does maintain a presence on more scholarly platforms and Twitter, where he shares insights into theology, literature, and current global issues. His public speeches and writings continue to attract followers who appreciate his thoughtful perspectives on faith in the modern world.
John Shelby Spong once accused Williams of being a "neo-medievalist", preaching orthodoxy to the people in the pew but knowing in private that it is not true. In an interview with the magazine Third Way, Williams responded: "I am genuinely a lot more conservative than he would like me to be. Take the Resurrection.
I think he has said that of course I know what all the reputable scholars think on the subject and therefore when I talk about the risen body I must mean something other than the empty tomb. But I don't. I don't know how to persuade him, but I really don't."
Education
Williams possesses an impressive academic background, having pursued his education at the University of Cambridge, where he earned a degree in theology. He later completed his Doctorate at the University of Oxford. His deep scholarly grounding has enabled him to articulate complex theological concepts clearly and effectively, making him a revered figure in both ecclesiastical and academic circles.
Williams retired as Archbishop of Canterbury on 31 December 2012, succeeded by Justin Welby. On 26 December 2012, 10 Downing Street announced Williams's elevation to the peerage as a life peer, so that he could continue to speak in the House of Lords.
Following the creation of his title on 8 January and its gazetting on 11 January 2013, he was introduced to the temporal benches of the House of Lords as Baron Williams of Oystermouth on 15 January 2013, sitting as a crossbencher. Oystermouth is a district of Swansea.
He retired from the House on 31 August 2020 and from Magdalene College that Autumn, returning to Abergavenny, in his former diocese (Monmouthshire).
