Staff profile
Sebastian Kim - Professor in Theology and Public Life
Sebastian joined the Faculty of Education &
Theology at York St John in 2005. Previously, he taught World
Christianity and was Director of the Christianity in Asia Project
at the Faculty of Divinity of the University of Cambridge.
His research interests include public theology,
world Christianity, theology of mission, community and identity,
contextual theologies, and religion and post-modern society.
“York St John offers a new approach to theology and
religious studies,” says Sebastian. “The subjects are often handled
separately in the more traditional universities. We integrate them,
in both research and teaching. The two disciplines inform each
other.
We also actively relate theology and religious
studies to contemporary society and the department is developing a
name for this area of research. This approach is becoming more
relevant as current issues and difficulties facing religious
communities develop.
A vibrant research community is growing at York St
John, with plenty of support from the senior management team. The
Research Office is developing effective support strategies for
our students. We listen to our students and respond effectively to
their needs. The levels of tutor
support are impressive and this is definitely one of the reasons
why people choose to study here.
Within my area of interest, we also enjoy
productive relationships with the Universities of Leeds, Hull and
Durham.
We attracted a large audience to the first
International Conference on Peace and Reconciliation, held at the
University in 2006.This was the first of a series to encourage the
sharing of research and further exploration toward practical
implementation. Working with colleagues from York Minster, York
Institute for Community Theology, the Order of Carmelites and the
Churches Regional Commission we also launched the Ebor Lecture
Series. This is an example of our commitment to engage in dialogue
with a range of communities on issues wider than narrowly defined
religious matters.”