Terry Waite (born May 31 1939), CBE (1992), is a British humanitarian and author best known for his work as a hostage negotiator who was himself held hostage. Today he is involved with a great many charities, including Emmaus. He is also patron of the Romany Society.

As an envoy for the Church of England working in Lebanon to free four British hostages including journalist John McCarthy. He arrived in the capital, Beirut, on 12 January 1987 with the intent of negotiating with the Islamic Jihad who were holding the men. On 20 January 1987 he agreed to meet the group to discuss the supply of arms to Iran and the freeing of 17 prisoners in Kuwait. Claiming that he had not fulfilled his promises the group took him hostage. He was officially imprisoned by them on 2 February 1987 and it was not until 17 November 1991 that he was released.

External Links

• 1987: Peace envoy imprisoned in Beirut ON THIS DAY, BBC
• Taken Hostage ON THIS DAY, BBC
• It's Over - Terry Waite Returns Home ON THIS DAY, BBC
• 1991: Church envoy Waite freed in Beirut ON THIS DAY, BBC
• The Romany Society