The University of Chichester has awarded an Honorary Doctor of Divinity to the Most Reverend Richard Moth, Archbishop of Westminster, in recognition of his contributions to pastoral leadership, prison ministry, ecumenical engagement and public service.
Archbishop Moth received the award during the University’s graduation ceremonies, recognising more than four decades of service to the Catholic Church, including roles as Bishop of the Forces, Bishop of Arundel & Brighton and, since December 2025, Archbishop of Westminster.
Archbishop Moth has strong links to Chichester through St Richard’s Parish and Chichester Cathedral, where he served as an Honorary Canon.
Throughout his ministry, Archbishop Moth has been a leading advocate for people facing hardship and exclusion. As the Church’s Lead Bishop for Prisons, he has provided support for prisoners and their families, promoting rehabilitation, education and pastoral care.
Reflecting on his career, he said: “It has been a great privilege to have been called to serve so many people over the years. In recent times, my work as the Liaison Bishop for Prisons has been an opportunity to highlight the particular difficulties faced by prisoners’ families and all those who are involved in the criminal justice system.”
The University also recognised his commitment to education, including 15 years as Chair of the Board of Governors at St Mary’s University, Twickenham, and his leadership in building partnerships across faith communities.
Speaking to graduates, Archbishop Moth encouraged them to use their talents in the service of others. “My advice would be to recognise the gifts you have and the ways in which these have developed during your university studies. Seek every opportunity to use these gifts in the service of others.”
He added that graduates should strive for “a recognition of the dignity of every person that they meet and the value of service to others”.
Archbishop Moth said he hoped the next generation would help build “a society where there is a recognition of the presence of the divine and the value of human life and in which everyone is enabled to flourish”.