The Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr George Carey, today (22 May 2001) conferred the Lambeth Degree of Doctor of Letters (D.Litt) on the Archbishop of Brisbane, Dr Peter Hollingworth, Governor-General Designate of Australia.

The citation read by the Archbishop of Canterbury, at a ceremony in Lambeth Palace, confers the degree "in recognition of his significant contribution in the field of Christian Social Ethics over forty years; especially for his work and writings on poverty in Australia and on the role of the Christian church and its agencies in social action and welfare."

Lambeth Degrees are not honorary degrees, but real degrees. The candidates, though, do not have to sit an examination: the awards are made in recognition of their contribution to the life of the Church, generally over many years.

Dr Carey said: "It is wholly fitting to be able to honour Dr Hollingworth's service to the Church as he lays aside Episcopal duties, at least for a time, to serve his country and our Sovereign Lady in such a distinguished role. It is the continuation of a life of service to others. May the many qualities and insights with which he has enriched the church and community find fresh expression in the years ahead."

Dr Hollingworth received his Lambeth Degree while in London to meet Her Majesty the Queen on his appointment as Governor-General Designate.