Religions & Theology and sustainability. The University of Manchester has recently been named
the world’s best university for action on sustainable development.
The Department of Religions and Theology is proud to have contributed to the University’s successful pursuit of the
United Nations sustainability objectives.
- We host a think-tank and research network called The Lincoln Theological Institute that pioneers an initiative to encourage religious engagement with climate change. Partners include representatives from Bahai, Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism and Sikhism; there is also representation from science, RNGOs and the academy.
- Our students lead the way with social responsibility.
In 2020, one of our students won the Religion and Social Responsibility Dissertation Prize for the best undergraduate dissertation in Religion & Theology. Entitled “Sacred or Safe? A thematic analysis of the #MosqueMeToo Movement” the dissertation explores ethical challenges at the intersection of religion and social responsibility.
- We conduct research that focuses on gender equality.
We are conducting the Arts and Humanities Research Councils funded research with the “British Ritual Innovation under COVID-19” project, focusing on gender equality.
- We promote social cohesion, community partnership and interfaith dialogue.
Our Centre for Jewish Studies, overseen from within the department and one of only four centres of excellence for Jewish Studies research in Europe, sponsors the ‘Scriptural Encounter’ project. The project aims to achieve mutual understanding over potentially contentious texts on particular topics. It’s hosted in partnership with members of the Jewish, Christian and Muslim communities in Greater Manchester.
- We actively support the Church of England’s Anti-Racism Initiative.
One of our academics has advised Anglican clergy and pre-ordinands from across the country on racial harmony and justice. The research was conducted under the auspices of the Archdeaconate of the Diocese of Manchester.
- We investigate austerity and its impact on religious engagement.
One of our colleagues is co-investigator on the “Life on the Breadline: Christianity, Poverty and Politics in the 21st Century City” project, funded by the Economic and Social Research Council. The project aims to develop a greater understanding of the impact that the 'age of austerity' has had on Christian engagement with poverty.
- The Department has contributed to the curation of a new degree at the University of Manchester in ‘Race and Decolonial Studies’
- We’re committed to going green and encouraging engagement with climate change.
We are representatives for sustainability across the university and oversee the ongoing work to ‘greening’ the university.
