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.

Conference Paper

Jewish studies. Ion Popa, Honorary Research Fellow at the Centre for Jewish Studies, presented a paper at the European Academy of Religion (EuARe) Conference in Rome, “Greek Catholics, The Holy See, and the Holocaust: New Findings in the Pope Pius XII Collections," in a panel organized by the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum under the title: “The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum’s Vatican Archives Initiative: An Overview.” (June 30-July 3, 2026). Further information.

Manchester Odyssey

John Rylands News. Centre for Biblical Studies member Jeremy Penner recently partnered with Universal Pictures to promote The Odyssey movie. Part of a 1,700-year-old copy of Homer's poem, kept at Manchester's John Rylands Library, was taken to London and New York in a bespoke case for the stars of the movie to see and discuss. The copy is now on display in Manchester. Read more: BBC; ITV; UoM Website.

Magazine Article

Christian studies. Sarah Parkhouse has written a review of the 'Encountering Biblical Bodies' exhibition for in Art+Christianity Magazine. Held at the University of Manchester, the exhibition features the work of Sarah Lightman and was curated by Holly Morse and Siobhán Jolley. Further information.

New Publication

Biblical studies. Honorary Research Fellow Helen R. Jacobus, has published "Enochic Literature as a Vehicle for the Circulation of the Zodiac between Roman and Byzantine Egypt and Late Roman and Byzantine Palestine," in Enoch Studies in the 2000s: New Vistas, ed. Kelley Coblentz Bautch, Matthew Goff and Joshua Scott (Deuterocanonical and Cognate Studies. v. 63; DeGruyter: Berli, 2026), 285-321. Further information.

Undergraduate Excellence 2025-26

Student Prizes. Congratulations to this year’s prize-winners in Religions & Theology! Ethan Thompson (second year) receives the Bishop Lee Junior Greek Testament Prize for the best examination result in New Testament Greek. The David S. Bles Hebrew Prize goes to Daisy Oakley (second year). Archie McConnell (History) receives the Philip Alexander Prize for the highest module grade in undergraduate Jewish Studies. The Undergraduate Dissertation Prize for Religious Studies for the best dissertation is awarded to Edward Bullock for his project ‘To what extent can Levinas’ philosophical position in Totality and Infinity withstand the critique of Infinity presented in Derrida’s ‘Violence and Metaphysics’?’. The Brandon Memorial Prize for the best work in comparative religion is awarded to Niamh Hardman for the dissertation ‘Writing in the Margins: An Autoethnographic and Discourse-Analytical Investigation of the Anglican Sunday School Teacher’. The Dastur Kutar Prize for best undergraduate dissertation in Non-Western Religious Studies is awarded to Noah Bouharri for his work on ‘The UK Degree as Moral and Ritual Achievement: A Confucian Reading of Chinese Overseas Student Experience’. The Religion and Social Responsibility Dissertation Prize for the best undergraduate dissertation that explores a social or ethical challenge at the intersection of religion and social responsibility is awarded to Amelie Brooks for ‘From Vice to Idol: Greed and Christian Responses to the 2008 Financial Crisis’.

Talk at Muslim Arts and Culture Festival

Islamic studies. On 4th July, Kamran Karimullah collaborated with the John Rylands Library and MACFEST (Muslim Arts and Culture Festival) for a public-facing research event on Islamic scientific manuscripts. Further information.

New Publication

Biblical studies. Andy Boakye has published "Top Boy: Honour, Shame and Violence in the Biblical and Modern Manosphere" in the volume For Nothing is Hidden: Masculinities and Trauma in Church and Theology (SCM Press), edited by Will Rose Moore. Further information.

University League Table News

Latest Subject Area ranking announced. Our Dept of Religions and Theology has risen nine places in the rankings of the Complete University Guide 2027 to number 6 in the UK. Further information.

Robotics and AI Workshop Facilitation

Digital humanities. On 6-7th July, Scott Midson facilitated doctoral training workshops for Robotics and AI for Net Zero (RAINZ CDT), a funded 4-year PhD programme training multi-disciplinary robotic systems engineers. The CDT unites leading researchers from The University of Manchester, Glasgow and Oxford, to train in both research and commercialisation of Robotics and AI to help revolutionise lifecycle asset management of critical infrastructure in support of the UK’s Net Zero Strategy. Further information.

Career Spotlight: Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Officer

For students. Interested in creating fairer and more inclusive workplaces or communities? Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Officers help organisations review policies, raise awareness, support staff, and promote positive change. Through your Religion & Theology degree programme, you develop relevant skills by exploring belief, identity, ethics and society, considering different perspectives, and communicating sensitively about complex issues. These skills can be really valuable in roles focused on inclusion, fairness and helping people feel represented. Check out the Prospects page for more detailed information on this role and book a careers appointment to discuss your career ideas further.

Civic Service Sermon, Manchester Cathedral

Christian studies. Last month, Peter Scott gave the sermon at the Civic Service at Manchester Cathedral. An annual event, the Civic Service provides an opportunity to welcome the new Lord Mayor, to reflect on Manchester’s community and civic life, and to pray for the common good of the city. Representatives from Manchester’s religious traditions were present at the service to greet the new Lord Mayor, Councillor Shaukat Ali.

Research Presentation

Biblical studies. Siobhán Jolley is presenting at this year’s meeting of the Theology and the Visual Arts project at King's College London 6-9th July, on "A Creative Dialectic: Engaging Visual Art and Biblical Text in Pursuit of New Meaning Making." Further information.

Graduate Outcomes Survey

Employability. Did you finish your University of Manchester degree between 1 February-30 April 2025? You are invited to complete the Graduate Outcomes survey. It’s a quick 10-minute check-in to see where your career has taken you 15 months post-university. Your feedback is essential for helping us support the next generation of students and improving the graduate landscape for everyone. The survey is open until 31 August 2026.

New Publication

Early Christianity. Sarah Parkhouse has published 'Fatal Charades and the Christian Martyrological Imagination' in Classical Antiquity 45.1 (2026): 218–241. Further information.

New Postdoctoral Appointment

Lincoln Theological Institute. The Dept of Religions & Theology is delighted to announce that Dr Chrissie Thwaites has been appointed as the new postdoctoral researcher at the Lincoln Theological Institute, from 1 September 2026. Chrissie joins us from the University of Leeds, where she completed her PhD in 2025. Her research project, “Post-Institutional Religion: Informal Authority, Belonging and Religious Formation in Contemporary Christian Life”, will investigate how authority, belonging and religious formation are being reconfigured outside traditional institutional structures. The two-year project is funded by the LTI trustees and continues the long-standing and fruitful relationship between the Institute’s trustees and the Department of Religions and Theology.

Celebrating Sustainability Impact Ratings

Sustainability goals. The University of Manchester has been ranked first in the world in the Times Higher Education Sustainability Impact Ratings. This means we’re leading globally for our contribution to the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Ranking first for: Industry, Innovation & Infrastructure; Sustainable Cities & Communities; Responsible Consumption & Production; Life Below Water; and Life on Land. We’re also the only university to feature in the global top ten every year since the rankings began. Further information.