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Bones of St Francis of Assisi go on display for the first time – here’s why it took 800 years

Dr William Crozier, Duns Scotus Assistant Professor in Franciscan Studies in our Department of Theology and Religion, discusses the significance of display of the remains of St Francis of Assisi, for the first time in 800 years.
Image of a stained glass window depicting Saint Francis of Assisi

New book "Radical Poverty" on the Capuchins and Catholicism in Britain

Liam Temple's book, Radical Poverty: The Capuchins and Catholicism in Britain, 1850-2022, has been published with Bloomsbury.
Book cover with black and white photos

Rivers of Ink: A light and sound journey through the world’s oldest Bible

A striking new light and sound installation is touring North East England this February, telling the remarkable story of Codex Amiatinus, the oldest intact complete Bible in existence.
Pages from the world's oldest bible showing a scribe writing and an ancient Egyptian illustration of an ox.

How ‘campus climate’ affects students’ attitudes to people of different religions

New research shows there are some key things universities can do to create climates where students are able to relate to others of different religious backgrounds. Professor Mathew Guest from our Department of Theology and Religion, with colleagues from Coventry University and Ohio State University, explains the findings.
Two female students looking at a laptop screen.

How a medieval Oxford friar used light and colour to find out what stars and planets are made of

A medieval friar challenged the scientific orthodoxy of his day around the make-up of stars and planets. Dr William Crozier from our Department of Theology and Religion sheds a light on this 13th century “controversy”.
The moon

First Clare and Hawley Chair in the History of Catholicism appointed

Dr James Kelly has been appointed as the first holder of the Clare and Hawley Chair in the History of Catholicism.
Head and shoulders close-up of a man smiling directly at the camera. He has short dark hair and is wearing glasses.

Durham Hosts Week of Events Honouring Black History and Reparative Justice

A vibrant week of events (20–23 October 2025) will take place across Durham, exploring Black history, reparative justice, and decolonial thought. Organised as part of the ESRC Festival of Social Science, the programme brings together scholars, students, and community members for walking tours, film screenings, and keynote lectures that highlight critical conversations around race, memory, and historical responsibility.
Woman in front of whiteboard smiling

The new archbishop of Canterbury has already made history – but she has huge challenges ahead

Dr William Crozier, Duns Scotus Assistant Professor in Franciscan Studies, in our Department of Theology and Religion, discusses the challenges facing the new Archbishop of Canterbury.
A wider view of the cloister at Canterbury Cathedral

Church of England must do more to recognise dangers of spiritual authority

The Church of England must do more to create a culture in which spiritual authority is handled safely, according to a new report from Durham University.
Four lit candles with stained glass window in the background.

Durham theologians reflect on faith, justice, and the cosmos on flagship radio show

Two of our leading theologians shared their insights on a flagship UK radio programme that broadcasts expert reflections on faith, ethics, and human experience
Anna Rowlands smiling at the camera wearing a dark top and David Wilkinson wearing a dark suit talking on a stage

Durham professor honoured for pioneering contributions to death studies

Professor Douglas Davies, one of the world’s leading scholars in the field of death studies, has been recognised with a prestigious lifetime achievement award from the Association for the Study of Death and Society (ASDS).
Douglas Davies sitting outside wearing a nave blazer and red shirt

Twenty Durham researchers appointed to REF 2029 sub-panels

Twenty of our researchers will take important roles in assessing UK universities’ research quality.
Woman in lab coat holding microscope-like device