On Thursday 26 October, Professor David Ford OBE gave the inaugural lecture of the newly formed Theology Hub. He explored the relevance of the Gospel of John in contemporary Christian life and mission. The lecture is the beginning for Theology Hub's mission to foster life-giving theological discourse across the Diocese.
Enthusiasm for the event was clear, with tickets selling out within a fortnight of the launch. Attendees had a diverse range of backgrounds in theology. Clergy, lay people, and those in licensed theological training gathered in the Lady Chapel of Guildford Cathedral. Dr Ash Cocksworth, Senior Lecturer in Theology at Roehampton University, hosted the Q&A session. It was lively and participants were eager to delve deeper into Professor Ford's insights. It left a lasting impression, with many expressing how inspiring the lecture had been.
Stephen Squirrell, who leads Theology Hub, said: “I know, from my own experiences, how life-giving and life-benefiting theology can be. We want to share that with as many people as possible. The whole team at the Guildford Local Ministry Programme were thrilled that so many people are interested in academic theology across the Diocese. We want to build on that, offering theological training that suits all sorts of people. We are hoping to build a sense of community that nourishes our minds, our faith, and our mission.
“This was the first of a series of large-scale lectures and public events we will be hosting. We will continue to partner with Guildford Cathedral and the University of Surrey. Together we will develop a programme that is relevant for many people across the diocese.”
Upcoming lectures
Our first lecture in March 2024 will be a thought-provoking dialogue on the relationship between religion and science. The next lecture, in early summer 2024, will be an exploration of theology and the arts in the summer term with Professor Maggi Dawn. We’ll be sharing more details on our website as we confirm them.
Support for academic theologians
Beyond lectures, we are creating a research community for people in the Diocese engaged in theological research and teaching. The community will be for academics, both budding and established. It will be a space to exchange ideas, share papers, and find encouragement in their journeys.
Serving churches across the Diocese
The team is looking for ways to go to parishes and serve the unique needs of the churches in the diocese. They will be offering teaching on Biblical themes, systematic theology, and much more.
Get in touch
Stephen would like to hear from you: “If the Theology Hub could help to resource you for mission in your parish or life, do get in touch. If you would like to join the mailing list and be kept up to date with all we have planned then drop me an email! I’d love to hear from you. stephen.squirrell@cofeguildford.org.uk”.
