The Revd Dr Casey Strine has been appointed to the post of Secretary for Theology and Theological Adviser to the House of Bishops and is expected to take up the post on 9 September 2024.
Casey is currently Associate Professor in Ancient and Near Eastern History and Literature at the University of Sheffield, Minor Canon of Sheffield Cathedral and the Bishop of Sheffield’s Inter Faith Adviser. He follows the Revd Dr Isabelle Hamley, now Principal of Ridley Hall, and the Interim Theology Advisers, Revd Dr Tom Woolford and Revd Canon Dr Jessica Martin who have covered the role on a temporary basis since April 2024. Casey will lead the dedicated Theology team within the Faith and Public Life department, overseeing the work of the National Liturgical Adviser and a second theology adviser to be appointed soon.
A significant part of the role is to offer theological support to the Living in Love and Faith programme which necessitates working openly and constructively with members of the church who hold widely different theological views. Casey was appointed following open advertisement of the post and a rigorous process led by a diverse panel which included the Chair of the Faith and Order Commission, +Robert Innes, and the lead bishop for LLF, +Martyn Snow, with other panel members, including lay and ordained members, who brought theological, gender and ethnic diversity to the process.
The Chair of FAOC, Bishop Robert Innes, said: “I am delighted to welcome Casey’s appointment. Casey is highly experienced and brings a fascinating and diverse range of skills and gifts. I am thankful that he is offering himself in the service of the Church in this important role and look forward to working with him.”
The Director of Faith and Public Life, The Revd Canon Dr Malcolm Brown, said: “Casey’s appointment is excellent news. As a member of Faith and Public Life, he will be working alongside other theologians in the ecumenical, interfaith and public policy teams whilst building up the dedicated theology team at a time when the church’s need for sound theology in all its work is acute. I much look forward to working with him.”
The Revd Dr Casey Strine said: “I am humbled and excited by the opportunity to serve the Church of England in this role. My time in the academy has been rich and rewarding, but I have no doubt God is now calling me to use my training to build up the Church. I look forward to collaborating with people from across the whole Church of England to do theology that responds to the challenges of faithfully following Christ Jesus and loving the world in the 21st century.”
