Anglican Envoy Terry Waite Released After Nearly Five Years as Hostage
Episcopal News Service. November 21, 1991 [91228]
Church bells throughout England welcomed Anglican envoy Terry Waite back home after nearly five years as a hostage in Lebanon. And the vicar of Waite's parish in London snuffed out a special candle kept burning throughout his captivity -- and thanked God for answering the prayers of people all over the world.
"I think you can imagine that, after 1,763 days in chains, it's an overwhelming experience to come back and receive your greetings," Waite said to a cheering crowd waiting for him at an air base near London.
The Islamic Jihad released Waite and American hostage Thomas Sutherland on November 18 after announcing in a terse note that the group intended to "complete what we have started with United Nations Secretary General Perez de Cuellar." Waite said at a Damascus news conference that the remaining three American hostages would be released soon.
Lord Robert Runcie, former archbishop of Canterbury, and his successor, George Carey, met Waite at the airport. Waite was on a mission for Runcie seeking the release of American hostages when he disappeared in Beirut, January 20, 1987.
Runcie was clearly elated as he embraced Waite and said that Waite was able to endure the ordeal of chains and isolation because he "has more inner resources than people sometimes imagine." Runcie pointed out that Waite had worked for the Anglican Church in Uganda for seven years during the Amin regime. Carey said "on behalf of the entire Anglican Communion how delighted we are to see you." He also conveyed a private message from Queen Elizabeth.
In a short speech at the air base, Waite offered "special thanks and affection" to British Broadcasting's World Service. After he was given a small radio a year ago, Waite said that religious and cultural programs on BBC "helped keep us alive."
Waite's shuttle diplomacy, which earned him the nickname "the Anglican Kissinger," succeeded in earning the release of a number of hostages over the years. In a passionate appeal during his short speech, Waite said that "it is wrong to hold people" and "self-defeating." He added that the church "will not rest until all are freed and justice and peace brought to everyone."
In a statement released from his office in New York, Presiding Bishop Edmond L. Browning said that he rejoiced "with men and women around the world who have prayed, hoped, and worked for his release.
The presiding bishop said that members of the Anglican Communion have been with Waite "during the ordeal of these last years." Browning said he knows Waite "to be a person of deep faith, strong character, and good spirit," and was convinced those qualities helped him survive captivity.
Browning concluded his statement: "Let us keep Terry and those close to him in our prayers -- and let us thank God that once again our brother is with us. Let us continue our prayers for all prisoners and captives, and for those who work for peace in the Middle East."