New Publication

Biblical studies. Samuel Hildebrandt (NTC), “‘Let Us Strike Him with the Tongue!’ The Violence of Speech in Isaiah and Jeremiah.” In The Bible and Violence. Volume I: Violence in Biblical Texts. Edited by C. Greenough, J. Stiebert, J. Jodamus, and M.D. Kebaneilwe. London: T&T Clark, 2026. Further information.

Teaching Innovation

Undergraduate Scholars Project. Katja Stuerzenhofecker led the SALC Undergraduate Scholars Project ‘Generative AI – what does machine learning do in the School of Arts, Languages and Cultures?’ The students presented their findings and recommendations at the SALC Undergraduate Scholars Showcase on 6 May, and at the international conference ‘Artificial Intelligence in Higher Education: Balancing Equity, Access and Innovation’ on 9-10 June. The Undergraduate Scholars Programme is an extra-curricular, non-credit bearing programme of interdisciplinary research for intellectually adventurous undergraduate students in the School of Arts, Languages and Cultures.

Research Presentations

Biblical studies. On 27th May, Siobhán Jolley presented "Wounded Yet Glorified: Reconfiguring Biblical Disability Through Artistic Depictions of Christ’s Body" at the University of Chester Theology & Religious Studies research seminar, followed by a presentation that evening to Chester Theological Society on "The Mother and the Magdalene: The Marys in Jesus Films."

Alumnus Research Activities

Alumni Activity. R&T alumnus Giles Briscoe (class of 2018-19) is giving a series of talks on his doctoral research at Edge Hill University, which explores drag as a sacred practice, reading RuPaul’s Drag Race and its associated spaces as sites of confession, transformation, and community. The idea first emerged during Giles’s undergraduate Theological Studies in Philosophy and Ethics, for whose teaching and support he remains warmly appreciative. Upcoming talks include a presentation to Australian audiences in James Cook University's Gender and Sexualities Seminar Series.

Research Visit in Berlin

Buddhist Studies.  From July 1–9, Erica Baffelli will be hosted by Dr Frederik Schröer in Berlin via the host programme at the Dahlem Humanities Center at Freie University. On July 3, they will be organising a workshop on "Feeling with the Trouble: Affective Entanglements in and Beyond the Human” to discuss a joint-publication focused on negative emotions and Buddhism.

Career Spotlight: Market Researcher

For students. Curious about why people think and behave the way they do? Market researchers gather and analyse information to help organisations understand their audiences and make informed decisions. Through your RELT degree, you’ve developed the ability to interpret complex information, evaluate different viewpoints, ask insightful questions, and communicate your findings clearly. These skills are invaluable when uncovering trends and turning data into meaningful recommendations. Check out the Prospects page for more detailed information on this role and book a careers appointment to discuss your career ideas further.

PhD Graduate Publication

Religion and philosophy. Darius Samadian, who graduated with a PhD in 2022 supervised by David Law, has recently published a revised version of his thesis with Peter Lang under the title The Mystical Philosophy of Karl Jaspers. Further information.

Share Your Experience of Studying

For students. What do you enjoy most about studying Theology and/or Religious Studies? Theology & Religious Studies UK are inviting undergraduate students to share their experiences by recording a short video (up to 60 secs) explaining what draws them to the subject and why it matters to them. They are looking for videos that are genuine, engaging, and accessible in tone—there’s no need for professional equipment - recordings made on a mobile phone are perfectly fine. Why take part? Your video could be featured on the TRS-UK website, and twenty entries will receive a £50 prize! Please email your video submissions to stefanie.sinclair@open.ac.uk by the 31st of July 2026.

New Booklet Publication

Religion and emotion. Erica Baffelli has published a booklet for the Fear and Belonging project titled Creating Community, which shares short reflections from the project. Erica writes: 'The aim of this publication is to capture some of the feelings, experiences, practices and atmospheres running through the stories participants shared with us during interviews and to reflect on some of what we have learnt. The artwork is by Sian Fan, the artist working with us on the project, who has created an image for each of the themes we reflect on in writing, exploring them from a visual perspective.' The booklet is available open access here.

New Book Publication

Christian studies. Siobhán Jolley, Saints (London: National Gallery / Yale University Press, 2026), 144pp. Saints explores the saints depicted in the collection at the National Gallery, charting not only a history of devotion but also the development of Western European art itself. Saints takes a close look at how some of the most splendid depictions of these figures still speak to us across the centuries. Further information.

Encountering Biblical Bodies Research Showcase

Biblical studies. On Tuesday 26 May in Ellen Wilkinson was the Centre for Biblical Studies/Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Arts and Languages "Encountering Biblical Bodies Showcase" with papers from Peter Oakes, Kate Bowen-Evans (Nazarene Theological College), Anke Bernau, Gillian Redfern, Cordelia Warr, Naomi Baker, Meaghan Allen, Rachel Miller, Siobhán Jolley, Scott Midson and Holly Morse. Further information.

Interdisciplinary Event on Faces

Interdisciplinary event. On 27th May, Scott Midson spoke on ‘Face/off: Self-identity and robot doppelgängers’ and the fifth event of the interdisciplinary seminar series on faces: '(Re)imagining faces: restoring humanity through art, archaeology, medicine & science'. Further information.

Public Talk

Biblical studies. On June 4th, Siobhán Jolley is leading a symposium with Paul Middleton (Chester) on 'Apocalypse Now: The Book of Revelation in the 21st Century' at Chester Cathedral. Further information.

Manchester Wesley Research Centre Annual Lecture

Methodist Studies. Please join our validation partner event: the  Manchester Wesley Research Centre annual lecture given by Priscilla Pope-Levison, Research Professor of Practical Theology, Perkins School of Theology at Southern Methodist University. Her lecture is titled “The Emergence, Growth, and Decline of the International Methodist Deaconess Movement.” Watch her speak about the lecture here. 16th June, 5pm, Nazarene Theological College, in person and online. Register here.

Graduate Careers Week: 15-19 June

Preparing for life after uni? Explore opportunities and plan your next steps at Graduate Careers Week, starting Monday 15 June. With events helping you find graduate jobs, figuring out finances after uni, and the Graduate Careers Fair on Thursday 18 June.

Spotlight: Alumni Profile

Careers. Chloe McDowell graduated with a BA in Comparative Religion and Social Anthropology and now works as a Junior Policy Officer at Re-Imagine Europa. Read about her journey here.

Research Presentation

Jewish Studies. Katja Stuerzenhofecker is delivering the Religious Studies Seminar in the Faculty of Divinity, Cambridge, on 2 June 2026. The paper is entitled ‘Traditional prayers, returning voices: Orthodox Jewish women and girls’ singing in communal prayer’. The research is part of the project ‘British Ritual Innovation under Covid-19’.

International Postgraduate Success

Student news. Congratulations to Penny Bunyan, 3rd year BA student, who has been offered a scholarship for the University of Groningen’s two-year Erasmus Masters programme, Religious Diversity in a Globalised World. As part of the programme, students  spend time studying in the Netherlands, as well as Portugal or Spain. Penny says: "This is an exciting opportunity to study across multiple universities and gain a diverse attitude toward the study of religion. I have been awarded a tuition fee waiver as part of the excellent candidates for the upcoming cohort, which I am very grateful for."

Teaching Activities

Teaching trips. Within our modules this year, off-campus activities and trips have included: Katja Stuerzenhofecker taking students to engage with lived religious practices in the Jewish Museum for the Introduction to the Study of Religions and Theology (RELT10311) and to Rylands Hebraica Collections for Interpreting Religion (RELT20572). The intermediate Greek (RELT 20152) studied ancient New Testament manuscripts in the Rylands Bible room with Sarah Parkhouse, and Siobhán Jolley discussed religious painting and sculpture in Manchester Art Gallery to students (pictured) taking Bible in Ancient Contexts and Current Debates (RELT71002).

New Publication

Dead Sea Scrolls. George Brooke has published “A Response and Some Ways Forward,” The (Con)textual Perspectives on the Dead Sea Scrolls: Proceedings of the Seventeenth International Orion Symposium, February 28–March 3, 2022. Published in Honor of Esther G. Chazon (ed. R.A. Clements, M.B. Johnson, N. Mizrahi, and M. Segal; STDJ 157; Leiden: Brill, 2026), 375-381. Further information.

New Publication

Pauline Studies. Daniel R. Langton, "Paul" in Encyclopedia of Jewish-Christian Relations Online, edited by Homolka, Kampling, Levine, Markschies, Schäfer and Thurner (Berlin, Boston: De Gruyter, 2026), 10pp. ISSN 2569-3530. "Both historically and theologically, a case can be made that Paul continues to be the single most controversial and influential figure for Jewish-Christian relations." Further information.

New Publication

Theology. Peter Scott’s A Theology of Postnatural Right (2019) has been published in Korean by Daejanggan Publishing. Warm thanks to Seoyoung Kim, an Honorary Research Fellow in the Department, who undertook the translation work. Dr Kim has recently been appointed Lecturer in Applied Theology and Ministry Placements Programme Lead at Belfast School of Theology.

Bible Critical Theory and Reception Seminar

Biblical studies. The 2026 Bible Critical Theory and Reception Seminar will be hosted by Siobhán Jolley at the University of Manchester, 2nd-3rd June. Papers include work by our own Holly Morse, Siobhán Jolley, and Rachel Miller, as well as visiting scholars on topics such as Italian fascist cinema, the problem of Neil Gaiman, and the Bible and the English revolution. Email Siobhán for further information.

Conference Paper

Biblical studies. Honorary research fellow Mary Mills will give a paper at the international conference of the Society for Religion Literature and Culture to be held in Stirling, September 10-13, 2026. The Biblical studies unit focuses on Apocalypse this year and Mary's paper is Affective Entanglements: Land City and People in Isaiah 24-7. Further information.

Career Spotlight: Museum/Gallery Curator

For students. Interested in history, culture, and sharing knowledge with others? Museum and gallery curators manage collections, develop exhibitions, and help make artefacts and stories accessible to the public. Through your RELT degree, you build valuable skills by researching historical and cultural contexts, analysing sources and interpretations, and presenting complex ideas in an engaging way, all of which are highly relevant in this field. Check out the Prospects page for more detailed information on this role and book a careers appointment to discuss your career ideas further.

International Conference Papers

Biblical studies. Siobhán Jolley and Holly Morse are delivering papers at 'The Light of the Word: Exploring Stained Glass and the Bible', Trinity College Dublin, 14–16 May 2026. Siobhán will speak on 'Through a Glass, Clearly: The Penitent Medium and Cazalet’s Mirfield Magdalenes' and Holly on 'Ways of Seeing the Bible Through Stained Glass'. Further information.

Public Talk

Religious & Science. Scott Midson is one of six speakers at 'The Love Lectures' event, May 18th, 7-10.30pm, International Anthony Burgess Foundation, Manchester. Scott with be talking about AI and companionship. Further information. As the bio says: In a world loud with hate, love louder.

New Publication

Jewish Studies. Honorary research fellow Helen R. Jacobus has published “calendars, Jewish.” In Oxford Classical Dictionary. Oxford University Press, 2026. Further information.

Graduate Career Support

Employability. Did you know that the University Careers Service is available to you for two years after graduation? Find out more here.  On Thursday, 18 June there will be a dedicated careers fair for upcoming graduates to meet employers and explore opportunities across a range of sectors. 

Church on Wheels Interview

Religion and politics. On 21st April 2026, Michael Hoelzl was interviewed by Bishop Mick Fleming of the Church on Wheels on the topic: Religion and Politics. See the filmed interview here.

Manchester Universities Scriptorium

For PG students. Trinity Forum Europe have just launched a new scriptorium for postgraduate students at the Manchester Universities. A scriptorium is a post-graduate student community that gathers for structured days of study and writing. Inspired by the monastic practice of a "liturgy of hours" the days comprise periods of personal research and writing interspersed with communal lunch and refreshments, Christian readings, reflection and prayer. Students of all faiths and none are welcome. For further information contact Courtney Owen.

Inaugural Lecture, Medieval History

Christian Studies. Stephen Mossman (History) will deliver his Inaugural Lecture, 'Spirituality and a Military Order: God’s House in Medieval Strasbourg', Wednesday 6 May, 6.30-8pm, Samuel Alexander Building, Room A7. Book here.

Manchester Graduate Talent 2026 Programme

Employability. Manchester Graduate Talent (MGT) 2026 programme is open. Looking for a graduate job in Manchester? Explore roles through Manchester Graduate Talent (MGT) - open for 2025 and upcoming 2026 UoM graduates! New roles added regularly. Check it out here.

Religions and Theology PGR Study Day

For PGR students. You are invited to the annual Religions and Theology PGR Study Day event on Monday, 15th June 2026 at the University of Manchester. The event will be hosted at the University in collaboration with our validation partners Cliff College and Nazarene Theological College, in hybrid format, 10am-3.15pm. Eve Parker is coordinating the event and Holly Morse will offer a workshop, with Stephen Wright (NTC), on creative methodologies. There will be two keynotes and other workshops. Sign up here.

Coptic Collection Encounter

Coptic studies. As part of the 'Coptic in Manchester' project, the first collection encounter event where you can see some of the manuscripts written in Coptic, a late Egyptian language, housed at the John Rylands. 1-3pm, Saturday 30th May, John Rylands Library. All welcome.

New Publication

Hebrew and Arabic studies. Peter Pormann (Classics) and William Smith have published "The Alexandrian Summary of Galen’s Sects for Beginner in Hebrew Translation" in Intellectual History of the Islamicate World. Further information.

New Publication

Methodist studies. Stephen Wright (NTC) has published "'Widest Extremes to Join': Christ Beyond Paradox in the Hymns of Charles Wesley," Pro Ecclesia (Feb 2026). Further information

Greater Manchester Policy Report

Social responsibility. Wren Radford has collaborated with Policy@Manchester to create a research report 'The Embodied Everyday: Ethical approaches to including lived experience in policymaking’. The report, based in Wren’s research with communities in Glasgow and Greater Manchester, highlights key practical, ethical, and creative elements of engaging with people’s lived experiences. You can read more from the Policy@Manchester site, and you can read the report here. A short blurb of the report: "Sharing and engaging with people’s lived experiences can be powerful and impactful, but it can also reinforce the issues of unequal power and exclusion. To ensure that the research process and its outputs are as equitable as possible, this report outlines several steps policymakers can take to address these challenges."

Ehrhardt Seminar in Biblical Studies

 

Biblical studies. 11th May: 'Coptic Texts, Magic and Linguistics'. In honour of recently retired Todd Klutz, we invite you to a special Ehrhardt featuring three short papers by Todd's previous students: Kim Fowler (University of Groningen), Fred Tappenden (University of Alberta), and Sylvia Billington (current MA student), followed by a response by Dr Klutz himself. 3-5pm, University Place 5.209 and Teams. For further information and/or Teams link, please email Lynne Potts.

Sharing Thanks and Good News

Student news. Third year R&T student Niamh Hardman would like to extend a thank you for all the support she has been shown by the department as her fiancée Chloé was diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma. Thankfully Chloé is now in remission after an intensive chemotherapy regime and is recovering well. Chloé and Niamh raised money for Manchester Beat Blood Cancer Together and celebrated with some of the staff at MRI. Hodgkin's Lymphoma primarily affects young adults and catching it early is so important. Please familiarise yourself with further information.

Keynote Address

Practical theology. The British & Irish Association for Practical Theology 2026 conference 'Power and the Common Good' features a keynote from recent PhD graduate Raj Patta who will offer a decolonial theological interrogation of the common good that is rooted in practice and draws on his work in Dalit public theology. Further information.

Project Website Launch

Digital humanities. The website for the UKRI-funded 'Coptic in Manchester: Connecting Manuscripts and Communities' project led by Sarah Parkhouse (PI) has been launched. Check it out here.

New Publication

Methodist studies. Tina Woof (PhD Candidate at NTC) has published "Phoebe Palmer: Holiness as Kenotic Foundation for Proto-Feminist Advocacy," Wesley and Methodist Studies 18 (2026): 54–78. Further information.

SALC student survey on module choice

Student consultation. Frances Connolly (Student Rep for School of Arts, Languages and Cultures) has prepared this 5 minute questionnaire. SALC is reviewing how module options are organised and wants student input on module choice. The survey seeks to understand how much choice students want and what factors (e.g. variety, flexibility, planning certainty) you value when selecting modules. Responses will guide departmental decisions on balancing the number of options with practical constraints, ensuring student priorities are considered in programme restructuring. Further information.

 

International Exhibition

Biblical studies. Centre for Biblical Studies member and Rylands curator, Jeremy Penner, has launched a major immersive exhibition in Austin, Texas that brings to life the voices of a multilingual, multicultural society from Greco-Roman Egypt. One key item on showcase is the world’s earliest known New Testament fragment – the St. John fragment – on view in North America for the first time, alongside rare papyri and artifacts from Greco-Roman Egypt usually housed at the Rylands. The exhibition will run in Texas April 11–August 2, 2026 and come to Manchester later this year. Further information.

New Publication

Biblical studies. Sarah Parkhouse has published 'The Limits of the Dialogue Gospel Genre: Recategorizing the Gospel of Thomas', Early Christianity 17 (2026): 31-47. Further information.

Student Summer Ball

For students. Celebrate the end of the academic year at the 2026 Liberal Arts and Religions & Theology Summer Ball! Saturday, 2nd May, 6:30pm - 12am, King Street Townhouse, 10 Booth Street, M2 4AW.  Dress Code: Black Tie. All students from both courses and any year group welcome, plus one available when purchasing tickets. Buy your tickets here.

New Publication

Jewish studies. Ion Popa, Honorary Research Fellow, Centre for Jewish Studies, has published “A Father and His Sons: Wilhelm Filderman’s Efforts to Shelter His Children during the Holocaust,” Revista de Istorie a Evreilor din România (The History Journal of the Jews in Romania), no. 6-7 (22-23) (2025), pp. 325-342. Further information.

BBC News

Jewish Studies. A long-form BBC article on the rise of antisemitism in the UK, including comments from a former student of the department, Rabbi Daniel Walker of Heaton Park Synagogue. 20 April 2026. Further information.

New Publication

Biblical studies. Andrew Boakye has published “The Ethics of Resurrection: The Christ Event and Ethical Praxis in the Pauline Epistles” in New Testament Ethics: Hermeneutics, Texts, and Practice, edited by Nicholas J. Moore, Cheryl Hunt and Timothy J. Murray (Eerdmans, 2026). Further information.