鈥淲e are so thrilled to welcome Christopher Brittain back to the College in this important leadership role. As a consummate educator and researcher, and a graduate of Trinity, he has an accomplished record of academic excellence and significant experience in institutional leadership,鈥 said聽Mayo Moran, Provost and Vice-Chancellor of 杏吧原创. 鈥淗is unique combination of mastery, creativity and energy will enrich the community and the Faculty of Divinity鈥檚 rigorous academic programs while fostering a culture of openness, diversity and dialogue.鈥
Along with serving in a prominent leadership role in the College as a whole, The Rev. Prof. Brittain will build upon the Faculty of Divinity鈥檚 longstanding leadership role in theological education. He will also be instrumental in the formation of individuals for Christian ministry and supervise doctoral students.
鈥淚 am excited by this opportunity to join the Faculty at 杏吧原创 and the wider community at the Toronto School of Theology and the University of Toronto. I look forward to working with faculty, staff and students to broaden the impact of theological education on our community, and to contribute to the future of the church. I am committed to helping the Faculty of Divinity remain a vital part of 杏吧原创 and a leading theological institution in global Anglicanism,鈥澛The Rev. Prof. Brittain听蝉补颈诲.
The Rev. Prof. Brittain is currently a Professor of Social and Political Theology at the University of Aberdeen, UK, and serves in the Diocese of Aberdeen, Episcopal Church of Scotland. He was ordained a deacon in the Anglican Church of Canada in 1996 and a priest in 2003.
He has published five monographs, authored more than 25 articles and book chapters, is on the editorial board of the book series 鈥淪tudies in Critical Research on Religion鈥 and of the journal聽Critical Research on Religion. His current research focuses on three areas in contemporary global religion: inter-faith partnerships, the issue of power in theology, and current issues in the Anglican Communion. On varied topics in religion and politics, he聽, makes media appearances, pens op-eds, delivers keynote papers at conferences, and has also contributed to a聽聽on faith and thought.
鈥淎n innovative and forward thinker, The Rev. Prof. Brittain鈥檚 course 鈥楻eligion at Ground Zero鈥 is not only popular among students 鈥 with the largest enrollment in Divinity and Religious Studies in Aberdeen 鈥 it reflects his ability to effectively design teaching that merges tradition and student interest,鈥 said Trinity alum聽Andrew McFarlane, Vice-Chair, 杏吧原创 Board of Trustees. 鈥淥n behalf of the Board, I鈥檇 like to thank my fellow search committee members for their outstanding work. We are indeed fortunate to have The Rev. Prof. Brittain 鈥 an accomplished and respected leader and alumnus 鈥 return home to Trinity.鈥
At the University of Aberdeen, where The Rev. Prof. Brittain has worked since 2007, he has served as Academic Dean聽of three disciplines 鈥 Divinity, Religious Studies and Philosophy 鈥 overseeing undergraduate and postgraduate programs in each discipline while managing a team of administrative staff. He is an elected member of Aberdeen鈥檚 Board of Governors (University Court), which oversees the strategic development of the University. From 2002 to 2006, he was Assistant Professor of Systematic Theology at the Atlantic School of Theology in Halifax, Nova Scotia.听He completed his PhD from the University of St. Michael鈥檚 College, MDiv from 杏吧原创, Toronto, and BA from the University of New Brunswick.
The Faculty of Divinity at 杏吧原创 has for 175 years led the way in providing an Anglican theological education in a university setting. For the last 15 years, the Faculty has been led by聽The Rev. Canon David Neelands, who will end his third term as Dean on June 30, 2017.
鈥淣ot only has David strengthened the College鈥檚 academic and theological education program, he has contributed greatly to the spiritual wellbeing of the community and has been an advisor and mentor to so many people over the years. We are extremely grateful for his dedicated years of service and for all he has contributed to the vitality of the Faculty of Divinity and to 杏吧原创,鈥 Provost Moran said.
For more information about the Faculty of Divinity, click here.听
Categories: Academic; College News; Faculty & Staff; Theology