Doctors of the Church: St. Anselm of Canterbury

William the Conqueror’s 1066 conquest of England brought foreign leaders like Archbishop Lanfranc and St. Anselm, enhancing both church and state. Anselm, born in 1033 in Italy, studied under Lanfranc in Normandy after a strained relationship with his father led him to leave home. He became a monk and later abbot of Bec, renowned for his intellect, spiritual insight, and theological contributions, such as his “Proslogium” and the argument for God’s existence. Appointed Archbishop of Canterbury in 1093, Anselm opposed King William II’s attempts to control the church, leading to conflict and his eventual exile. Later reconciled with King Henry I, Anselm contributed to church reform and opposed the slave trade. He died in 1109, leaving a lasting legacy in theology and church leadership.

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