Seed was born in Manchester and adopted as a baby. His adoptive mother committed suicide when he was seven and his adoptive grandfather also died before he was 10. He was then raised by his grandmother in the Salvation Army.

He was dyslexic and was sent to a special boarding school for maladjusted children, but still didn't learn to read until he was 12.

He became a Roman Catholic and a Franciscan Friar of the Atonement. He is on the staff of Westminster Cathedral in London, where he specializes in helping others convert, is Catholic chaplain to Parliament and Cardinal Hume's adviser on ecumenical affairs. Famous people he has instructed in the faith include Ann Widdicombe, John Selwyn Gummer and the Duchess of Kent.

References

Moreton, Cole. "From Tragic Childhood to the Politician's Priest," Independent on Sunday [London], 28 May 1995, p. 3
Gaisford, Sue. "The Great Converter," The Tablet, 28 June 1997. Also available at: http://www.thetablet.co.uk/cgi-bin/shownews?Day=28&Month=6&Year=1997#656

Indexes

European
Uk/great Britain
20th Century
21st Century
Christian
Mental Handicaps, Learning Difficulties
Formal, American/European-Type Adoption
Birth or Infancy
Grandparents
Others ("Strangers")
Adoptive or Foster Parent(s) Died
Divorce or Premature Death of Adoptive Parent(s)