The Centre for Theology and Public Issues (CTPI) is a vibrant research centre based in New College, the School of Divinity at the University of Edinburgh. The Centre for Theology and Public Issues was founded at the University of Edinburgh in 1984 as the world’s first centre for reflection and research on public theology. More than three decades later, CTPI continues to bring theological voices into conversations about pressing matters of public concern. CTPI engages with a variety of public issues ranging from politics through environmental ethics to pluralism. Based at the University, we host conferences, colloquia and conversation that bring people from different and diverse backgrounds together to tackle both global and local issues of public concern. In recent times, we have hosted art exhibitions, conferences, public lectures, panel discussions, seminars, and performances. Theology and the problems of the world have tended to drift apart, as theology has sometimes seen the academic world as a refuge from relevance… We clearly need to develop a theology which is neither deductive nor inductive, but which grows out of a dialectic between the tradition and the praxis of those who are involved in endeavouring to transform the situation. Duncan Forrester The founder of the CTPI Rev Prof Duncan Baillie Forrester (1933–2016) Image Rev Prof Duncan Baillie Forrester Rev Prof Duncan Forrester (1933– 2016) was the founding Director of the Centre for Theology and Public Issues (1984 – 2000). Duncan was Professor of Christian Ethics and Practical Theology at the University of Edinburgh from 1978 until his retirement in 2000. Previously, he had worked in South India (as Professor of Politics at Madras (now Chennai) Christian College), and at Sussex University (as chaplain and lecturer in Politics and Religious Studies). During his notable and pioneering career here in Edinburgh, he was Principal of New College (1986 – 1996) and Dean of the Faculty of Divinity (1996 – 1999). In 1999, he was awarded the Templeton Prize for his commitment to ‘extending theology into public life’. This was recognition of Duncan’s ground-breaking work establishing the Centre for Theology and Public Issues at New College in 1984. He imagined the Centre as a forum of people in the academy, public life and the churches, attending to the voices of those who were marginalised, ignored or impoverished in diverse contexts – and attempting to exert some positive influence on public affairs. Justice was Duncan’s prevailing concern – in his thinking and crucially as praxis, and he was determined that neither theology nor public policy should be done ‘behind people’s backs’. With characteristic energy, discipline and care, Duncan led the Centre as a productive model of public theology, tackling a wide range of issues and drawing on an ever-expanding network of inter-disciplinary colleagues, practitioners and supporters – in Edinburgh, in Scotland and internationally (for Duncan’s faith was truly and properly ecumenical). Generations of New College students knew him as an inspirational and encouraging teacher, and his body of writing has been of enduring significance in developing practical and public theology, Christian ethics and liturgy for, and in dialogue with, the contemporary world. The University Chaplain, Revd Dr Harriet Harris and Revd Ali Newell (Associate University Chaplain) led his memorial service. Rev Prof David Fergusson, the Principal of New College during that time, wrote his obituary. Social Media CTPI on YouTube CTPI on Twitter CTPI on Facebook Note: These links may take you to web-based material and content that may not be maintained or managed by the University of Edinburgh. The University of Edinburgh may not be responsible for this material and content. This article was published on 2024-03-19
