What is terry waite?

Terry Waite

Terry Waite (born 31 May 1939) is a British humanitarian and author, best known for his role as the envoy of the Archbishop of Canterbury to negotiate the release of hostages in Lebanon.

  • Early Life and Career: Waite was educated at a Quaker school and pursued a career in education and social work before becoming involved with the Church of England. He worked as an advisor to the Bishop of Bristol and later became a secretary for the Archbishop of Canterbury, Robert Runcie.

  • Hostage Negotiation: From 1980 to 1987, Waite successfully negotiated the release of several hostages, including those held in Iran and Libya. His most famous, and ultimately tragic, endeavor was his attempt to secure the release of hostages in Lebanon.

  • Kidnapping and Imprisonment: In January 1987, while negotiating for the release of other hostages, Terry Waite himself was kidnapped in Beirut. He was held captive for 1,763 days, almost five years, much of it in solitary confinement. He was eventually released on 18 November 1991. This period of captivity and how it has impacted his life is perhaps his most noteworthy experience.

  • Post-Release Activities: After his release, Waite dedicated himself to writing, lecturing, and humanitarian work. He has written several books about his experiences, including "Taken on Trust," "Footfalls in Memory," and "Solitude." He has also been involved with various charities and organizations promoting peace and reconciliation.

  • Honors and Recognition: Waite has received numerous awards and honorary degrees for his humanitarian work and contributions to peace.

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