Thank you for your interest in the Commonwealth Theologian in Residence Scholarship, an opportunity for an exceptional scholar from a Commonwealth country to spend one term living within the Westminster Abbey precincts, with opportunities for study, preaching, and seminars. The inaugural holder of this post two years ago was The Revd Dr Ishaya Anthony, Canon Theologian of the Diocese of Kwoi, Nigeria, and postdoctoral Research Fellow at the Department of Religious Studies, University of Johannesburg. This year, we were delighted to welcome The Revd Dr Allan Palanna, Professor of Christian Ethics in the Department of Theology and Ethics at the United Theological College, Bengaluru, India.
Westminster Abbey offers this opportunity as a further development of its long-standing commitment to the Commonwealth and to theological scholarship in the life of the Church. The successful candidate will pursue research or a writing project of their choice. The time may be used as part of a sabbatical. It is hoped that the successful candidate might play some part in the annual Commonwealth Day Service, held each year on the second Monday in March, and offer a seminar on their work during the term.
To qualify, you will need to have completed doctoral study, and/or have a track record of exceptional research or teaching. We seek theological dialogue partners with strong communication and interpersonal skills, committed to open conversation and serious reflection. The opportunity is open to scholars working in any theological discipline who have a passion for the life of the Church. There will be opportunities to build connections and partnerships with the ecclesial and theological institutions associated with Westminster Abbey. The successful candidate will also become a Research Associate at the Cambridge Centre for Christianity Worldwide, offering exceptional library access and opportunities to join seminars and conversations.
The successful applicant should be prepared to participate in the daily worshipping life of the Abbey in ways which are appropriate, especially at the daily offices and on Sundays. This may include occasional opportunities to preach.
Please refer to the information pack for further details on requirements.