Webcast, Sherman Lecture 2026

Jewish Studies. We're delighted to announce that the webcast is now ready to view: Dr Jonathan Boyd (London Institute for Jewish Policy Research) gave the 2026 Sherman Community Lecture (co-sponsored by the Jewish Rep Council of Greater Manchester) entitled "British Jews in 2026: Where are we now, and what might the future hold?" Watch again

New Publication

Bible and art. Siobhán Jolley has published 'Ein anderer Blick auf Maria Magdalena? Künstlerinnen und feministische Ambitionen' for the catalogue accompanying the Städel Museum's Mary Magdalene exhibition. Further information.

Response to Public Lecture

Buddhist studies. Gregory Adam Scott responded to a talk by Ben Brose on 'Stranger things: supranormal events in modern Chinese Buddhist autobiography'. 22nd May 2026 at SOAS, University of London. The video is now online.

New Podcast Appearance

Biblical studies. Sarah Parkhouse spoke about the Gospel of Mary on the US-based 'Lost Ladies of Lit' podcast. Further information.

Religion & Theology Research Seminar

 

Religion & Theology. 2nd November, Jillian Marcantonio (Campbell University), 'Igniting a Fiery Imagination: Romanos the Melodist's Liturgical Poetry'. 2pm. Online only. Email Siobhán or Kamran for the link.

Public Talk at St Paul's Cathedral

Christian art. Siobhán Jolley is speaking at St Paul's Cathedral on 'Reading the saints: unlocking the story of sainthood in sacred art'. The talk is based on Siobhán's recent book 'Saints' published with the National Gallery. Sunday 1st November, 1-2pm. Further information.

Carmel College Presentation

Social responsibility. Michael Hoelzl was invited to give a talk on the problem of evil and the philosophical question of theodicy on October 9th 2026 at Sixth Form Carmel College in St. Helens. After the presentation they did a workshop on the World Press Photo Award 2026 and discussed how contemporary forms of evil and violence are portrayed and understood today.

International Society for Science and Religion, blog entry

Jewish history. Daniel Langton was invited to contribute an entry entitled 'When Darwin met the Jews' for the International Society for Science and Religion blog. "When Charles Darwin published On the Origin of Species in 1859, he could hardly have anticipated that within fifteen years his ideas would be expounded in Hebrew and compared with the teachings of the ancient Jewish sages..." 15 Oct 2026. Further information.

Scriptural Reasoning Event

Interfaith event. UoM Diversity Dialogues, the RS Student Society, and Manchester Jewish Society are running a Scriptural Reasoning event to discuss beginnings of the Bible, Quran and Torah. 14th October, Uni Place 4.213, 4pm onwards.

Interview on The Harry Hill Show

Biblical studies. Andy Boakye chats about Jesus and the New Testament on the Harry Hill show - even plugging our courses at the University of Manchester! Watch it here (Andy starts at minute 24). 

Religion & Theology Research Seminar

 

Religion & Theology. 22nd October, Stephen Wright (Nazarene Theological College), 'Eschatology as Hope as Imagination: Propositional and Poetic Utterance in Evoking the Christian Future'. 2pm. Online only. Email Siobhán or Kamran for the link.

Career Spotlight: Sustainability Consultant

For students. Passionate about making a positive impact on people and the planet? Sustainability Consultants help organisations reduce their environmental impact, develop responsible practices, and work towards sustainability goals. Through your RELT degree, you've developed valuable skills by exploring ethical dilemmas, examining social responsibility, evaluating different perspectives, and constructing evidence-based arguments. These skills can help organisations balance environmental, social and business priorities when making decisions. Check out the Prospects Sustainability Consultant profile to explore this career path and book a careers appointment to discuss your career ideas further. 

Religion & Theology Research Seminar

 

Religion & Theology. 8th October, Joshua Rushton (The University of Manchester), 'Environmental Approaches to the Early Modern Catholic World'. 2pm. Online only. Email Siobhán or Kamran for the link.

Digital Exhibition

Buddhist studies. The digital artwork connected to the Leverhulme-funded “Fear and Belonging in Minority Buddhist Communities” project is now online. ‘grasp, grasp’ by Sian Fan is a digital artwork which draws on the anonymised life stories of members of two different Buddhist communities, collected by University of Manchester researchers Erica Baffelli and Jane Caple. The work is a web-based experience filled with emotive photography and soundscapes, which traverses multiple pathways. It changes shape, operating in different sequences and moving in different directions, inviting viewers to reflect on the ephemerality of emotions. “It hopes to emulate the feeling of being submerged in all the stories all at once, creating an undefined but reflective wash of emotion and experience. It explores how, in people’s everyday lives, fear exists as an undercurrent, weaving in and out of quotidian experiences. It considers fear’s entanglement with belonging and explores how these states coexist in tension. Without attempting to pin it down, the work hopes to assert the complicated beauty of human experience. It seeks to form a blurry vision of lives lived, that, with your gaze soft and your grip gentle, you can find yourself enveloped within.” ‘grasp, grasp’ is made to be experienced on desktop; it works best on Chrome. Please take your time in exploring it here.

Keynote Paper

Biblical studies. Siobhán Jolley gave a keynote at the Bible and Contemporary World conference in St Andrews. The lecture was called 'Reading the Magdalene Otherwise: Contemporary Art and Liberative Meaning-Making', and brought together Magdalene reception, contemporary art, and the ways biblical figures are continually reinterpreted and reimagined. Further information.

New Publication

Intellectual history. Former Leverhulme Fellow and current Academic Affiliate Visitor Dr Samuel O'Connor Perks has published 'Narrating crisis: World War I, American labour and Ammon Hennacy’s conversion to Christianity, 1914–1940' in Intellectual History Review, 1–18. Further information.

New Book Publication

Biblical studies. Honorary research fellow Walter Houston has published God’s World, Our Work: A Study of Work in the Bible and in Today’s World with Cascade Books. The book introduces readers to the extensive material concerning work in the Bible, some of it viewing work positively as the will of God for humanity, some of it negatively as violent and exploitative. The book is aimed at both scholars and a wide readership. Further information.

Paper Presentation

Religion and politics. Michael Hoelzl gave a paper at a networking symposium at Florence (24th-27th of September, 2026). The Symposium analysed the role of religion in authoritarian and neo-colonial political systems today. The overall title of the networking symposium was "Political Theology of Authoritarianism". Speakers from Italy, the US, Brazil, India and the UK discussed the emergence and existence of new forms of authoritarianism with regards to the role of religion. The meeting was funded by Diaconia Valdese and NYU.

Spotlight: Alumni Profile

Careers. Izabela Mogielska graduated with a BA Philosophy and Religion degree and now works as a Campaign Media Executive at This is Gain. On her journey from degree to career, Izabela writes, 'My degree prepared me for the role of Campaign Media Executive by developing my critical thinking skills, which are particularly valuable when creating plans involving complex strategies. Additionally, it has helped me build confidence in presenting, which is especially useful when working directly with clients.' Read more about Izabela's job and advice for current students.

BBC Culture Interview

Bible and art. Siobhán Jolley was interviewed for a BBC Culture feature 'Penitent sinner or fiery saint? Mary Magdalene is one of the Bible's most divisive figures'. As well as speaking about the art featured in the article, Siobhán is also curating a touring art exhibition Mary Magdalene: Woman and Myth. Further information.

New Book Publication

Religion, Philosophy, and Law. Guy Baldwin (Law) has published Liberty of Conscience: Justification and Limits with Bloomsbury. The book shows that protection of liberty of conscience (often called religious freedom) is warranted because of its importance to the exercise and development of the two moral powers of individuals that comprise their moral personality: the power to judge right and justice, and the power to form and pursue a conception of the good. However, some possible limitations for the right relating to the rights of others and the common interest flow from this rationale. Utilising this theoretical account, the book analyses two case studies at the limits of religious freedom in the law of the UK and USA: pandemic lockdown restrictions on religious gatherings, and non-discrimination laws in their application to same-sex couples. Further information.

Biblical Bodies Event

Biblical studies. Please join the Centre for Biblical Studies for the next event in the Biblical Bodies project, a guest lecture from Professor David Tombs on "Scraps of Dignity: The Crucifixion Loincloth and a Blue Plastic Bag." Weds 28th October, 4-6pm. Samuel Alexander SG16. The event is hybrid, but since David will be visiting from Aotearoa New Zealand it would be great to see as many of you in person as possible. For those beyond the University, a quick RSVP to Siobhán will help with planning, especially if you are able to join us in person. If you have any access needs, please also email Siobhán.

New Publication

Biblical studies. Honorary fellow Prof Loveday Alexander has published “Luke’s Urban Imagination” in John Kloppenborg (ed.), Early Christianity in Civic Space (BETL 343; Leuven: Peeters, 2026). This was a contribution to the 2023 Colloquium held at KU Leuven in July 2023.

Careers Service: Support for new and returning students

For students. Did you know we have a dedicated Careers Service here at UoM? Check out @uomcareers for support with part-time jobs, exploring career options, help with job applications and much more: bit.ly/uom-careers. We also have an Autumn Careers Fair upcoming on 20th & 21st October, 11am-4pm Whitworth Hall.

Sisters of Sinai Prize Judge

International collaboration. Sarah Parkhouse is serving as a judge for the Sisters of Sinai Prize for outstanding scholarship in Christian apocrypha. The prize is named in honor of Agnes Smith Lewis and Margaret Dunlop Gibson, sisters who are responsible for a number of significant collections of texts and translations based on manuscripts they viewed or acquired in their travels to Egypt and the Sinai in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Further information.

Sherman Community Lecture 2026

Jewish Studies. Dr Jonathan Boyd (London Institute for Jewish Policy Research) will give the next Sherman Community Lecture (co-sponsored by the Jewish Rep Council of Greater Manchester) entitled "British Jews in 2026: Where are we now, and what might the future hold?". Monday 19 October 2026 8pm (online). Further information.

New Publication

Philosophy and religion. David Law has published "Kierkegaard's Existential Apophaticism" in The Oxford Handbook of Apophatic Theology, pp. 394-413. Further information.

Pizza Party

Event. To welcome everyone (back) to campus, we are hosting our first R&T Pizza Party of the 2026-27 academic year! Weds 30th September, 4.30-6.30pm in Lime Café (lower ground floor of Samuel Alexander building). If you're new and unsure about anything, feel free to ask any lecturer or student you meet in welcome week/your first week!

Plenary Conference Paper

Theology and religion. Wren Radford gave a plenary presentation ‘Engaging Creative and Arts-based Approaches’ at the Ecclesiology and Ethnography Network Conference in Durham on the 8th September. Wren also took part in the plenary panel on the theme of ‘Creativity and Crisis’ with Robert Song, Heather Walton, Christian Scharen. Further information.

Ehrhardt Seminar in Biblical Studies

 

Biblical studies. Tom de Bruin (Radboud University), “Twilight Ruined Comic-Con”: Early Christian Texts in Dialogue Contemporary Fan Practices". 15th October, 2-4pm, University Place 6.211/Teams. For further information and/or Teams link, please email Lynne Potts.

New Publication

Jewish studies. Honorary research fellow Rob Kanter has published ‘Using histories of Jewish–Muslim relations to challenge misconceptions and highlight hidden histories in the teaching of the Holocaust’, Teaching History 203 (2006), pp. 14–22. The article is based upon sessions Rob led at the Historical Association conference in 2024 and 2025. One purpose is to provide a brief historiographical summary of how Jewish-Muslim relations have evolved in popular and scholarly spheres since 1900. The main intention is to provide teachers with increased subject knowledge and pedagogical suggestions about two case studies of Muslim rescue of Jews during the Holocaust, and how these narratives can be integrated into and expand wider Holocaust schemes of learning. Further information.

Career Spotlight: Marketing Executive

For students. Interested in understanding what makes people engage with an idea, organisation or brand? Marketing executives help organisations reach their audiences through campaigns, digital content, social media, events, and market insight. Through your Religion & Theology degree, you develop valuable skills by analysing how ideas are communicated, considering different cultural and social perspectives, researching complex topics, and adapting your arguments for different audiences. These skills can be really useful when creating messages that connect with people and understanding what influences their choices. Check out the Prospects page for more detailed information on this role and book a careers appointment to discuss your career ideas further.

Conference Paper

Christian studies. Peter Scott gave a paper "Climate Steward and Climate Prophet as Sacramental Ministries of Grace" at the conference of the Society for the Study of Christian Ethics, Sarum College (3–5 Sept). Further information.

Interfaith consultation

Religion and global conflict. Daniel Langton has been invited to a consultation session with Dr Ed Kessler and Dr Mohammed Ahmed regarding the Woolf Institute's Commission on Interfaith Relations: UK Faith Groups and Global Conflicts. The Commission seeks to better understand how global conflicts are translating into both inter- and intra- faith tensions here in the UK. 10 Sept 2026.

Alumni Success

Biblical studies. Congratulations to recent PhD graduate Rachel Miller who has accepted a job as Teaching Fellow in Old Testament and Hebrew Bible at the University of Edinburgh. 

Project Artwork Launch Event

Buddhist studies. Erica Baffelli offers an invitation to the launch event for the artwork connected to the project "Fear and Belonging in Minority Buddhist Communities". ‘grasp, grasp’ is a digital artwork which draws on the anonymised life stories of members of two different Buddhist communities, collected by University of Manchester academics Erica Baffelli and Jane Caple. The work is a web-based experience filled with emotive photography and soundscapes, which traverses multiple pathways. It changes shape, operating in different sequences and moving in different directions, inviting viewers to reflect on the ephemerality of emotions. The event takes place on Wednesday 30 September, 6.30-8.15pm, at esea contemporary. Tickets are free (limited capacity, advance booking required). Further information.

Spotlight: Alumni Profile

Careers. Sonia Singh-Lunj is a Theology and Ethics graduate who now works as a Delivery Manager at Kainos. 'My degree in Theology, Philosophy and Ethics equipped me with strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills, as well as the ability to understand multiple perspectives', Sonia writes. 'Since graduating, I’ve had several incredible opportunities to work in central government, delivering high-priority projects. My time at the Cabinet Office exposed me to a fast-paced and highly rewarding environment, which reinforced my drive to continuously develop both professionally and personally.' Read more about Sonia's journey here.

Conference Paper

Christian studies. Stephen Wright (NTC) will deliver a paper "Eschatology as Imagination: propositional and poetic utterance in evoking the Christian future" at the Society for the Study of Christian Ethics, Sarum College (3–5 Sept). Further information.

New Book Publication

Biblical studies. PhD graduate David E. Bell has published a revised version of his thesis as Children's Lives and Deaths in 1 Thessalonians: Impacts on Interpreting Context and Text. The monograph is part of the prestigious Library of New Testament Studies (LNTS), published with T&T Clark/Bloomsbury. Further information.

Conference Paper

New Testament Studies. Peter Oakes presented a paper at the Studiorum Novi Testamenti Societas annual meeting at Durham, 'λόγον ζωῆς ἐπέχοντες (Philippians 2:16), an Elaborate Expression for "Having Life": Greek Idiom and Early Greek Exegesis'. He also responded to a paper by Timothy A. Brookins, '“Peace and Security” (1 Thessalonians 5:3) as a Religious Slogan: The Counter Gospel of a Heraclean Association’ and chaired a paper session.

Conference Poster

Coptic studies. Sarah Parkhouse showcased a poster demonstrating the progress of the 'Coptic in Manchester' project at the International Congress of Coptic Studies, Göttingen, 27 July – 1 Aug 2026. 

Conference Paper

Jewish studies. George Brooke contributed a paper on "Rethinking Midrash ha-Torah (1QS8:15)" to a Symposium on Communicating Torah in Ancient Jewish Culture and Early Christianity at the University of Münster in July.

Think Tank makes case for Theology and Religious Studies

For students. The think tank THEOS has produced a student-facing resource Big Questions. Real-World Skills, which highlights the importance of studying Theology and Religious Studies at university. “We live in a world shaped by rapid technological change, global interconnection, and deep differences in belief and identity. Theology and Religious Studies (TRS) is a subject that speaks directly to that world”, it says. The brochure argues for the importance and value of TRS courses and includes testimonies from recent TRS graduates on how the subject has been applied to careers in law, politics, the civil service and communications. It’s part of a suite of resources on RE and Theology / Religious Studies on the THEOS website.

New Publication

Buddhist studies. Erica Baffelli has published “‘Being with’: Support Networks During the COVID-19 Pandemic”. Journal of Global Buddhism 27.1 (2026): 1-18. Further information. 

Conference Papers

Biblical Studies. Presenting at this year's meeting of the British New Testament Society is Siobhán Jolley on ‘Curséd Is the Fruit: Afterlives of Eden in depictions of Anne and the Magdalene’ (with Maryanne Saunders, National Gallery), and Kate Bowen-Evans (PhD student at Nazarene Theological College) on ‘Sidelined in the Body and by the Body: Re-reading 1 Corinthians 12:22–26 through an Ableist-Critical Lens’. Siobhán also chairs the Reception, Critical Theory, & Interdisciplinary Studies Seminar and Andy Boakye chairs the Paul seminar. 24-26 August, St Patrick’s Pontifical University, Maynooth. Further information.

Conference Papers

Biblical studies. At the European Association of Biblical Studies Annual Meeting at KU Leuven, July 2026, Samuel Hildebrandt (NTC) presented "Receiving the Undead, Risen from the Wilderness: Moses' Wife and the Exodus Generation in Early 20th Century Literature," in the "The Biblical World and Its Reception: The Bible, Horror, and Monster" session, and George Brooke presented "The Dead Sea Scrolls and 'Biblical' Anthropology" to the Biblical Anthropology in Canonical Discourse workshop. 

New Publication

Religion in Japan. Guy Baldwin (Law) has published 'The Diffusion of Religious Freedom in Japan' with Ayako Hatano in the Asian Journal of Comparative Law 20.3: 545–64. Further information.

Church on Wheels Interview

Religion and AI. Scott Midson was interviewed by Bishop Mick Fleming of the Church on Wheels on about AI, robots, technology and God, and what it means to be human. See the filmed interview here.

International Workshop

Biblical studies. Sarah Parkhouse and Todd Klutz attended a workshop on Coptic Gospels at the University of Groningen, 23-25 July 2026.

Touring Art Exhibition

Biblical studies. The National Gallery has announced a major new touring exhibition, Mary Magdalene: Woman and Myth, curated by Siobhán Jolley. Opening at the Walker Art Gallery, Liverpool, in February 2027 before travelling to Sheffield and Bishop Auckland, the exhibition brings together Renaissance and contemporary art to explore how Mary Magdalene's image has been shaped by belief, power and misrepresentation over nearly two millennia. Developed from research begun during Siobhán's PhD at Manchester, the exhibition examines the relationship between the historical woman and the myths that have grown around her, while exploring wider questions about women's authority, memory and representation. Further information.