Durham University theologian seconded to process that will shape future of Catholic Church

Professor Anna Rowlands has been selected for a secondment that will see her spend two years working with the General Secretariat of the Synod, and the Dicastery (Department) for Integral Human Development of the Holy See (Vatican). 

Global Synod process

Her role includes working closely with the team managing the global Synod process established by Pope Francis. 

The Synod is the largest grassroots listening process undertaken by the Catholic Church and aims to renew processes of participation, governance and mission in the life of the Church.

It will result in two major world meetings in Rome in October 2023 and October 2024 and will examine key global realities that will help to shape the Catholic Church.

In addition, Professor Rowlands will work to support the core research work of the Holy See department that speaks on matters of politics, economics, climate and migration. 

World-renowned in Theology and Religion

Durham has one of the highest-rated departments of Theology and Religion in the UK and internationally. 

The University is rated third in the UK, according to the Complete University Guide 2023, and sixth in the world, according to the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2023, for its strengths in Theology and Religion. 

Arts and Humanities at Durham is also ranked 32nd in the world in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2023 and 33^rd in the THE World University Rankings by Subject 2023.

Arts and Humanities making an impact

Professor Rowlands’ secondment is another example of our Arts and Humanities expertise making an impact on the world, including:

• Our Hearing the Voice project, a collaboration between English Studies and Psychology, which is providing resources to help voice-hearers, their families and mental health professionals;

• History research that has made a significant contribution to understanding of electoral processes and aspects of governance in African countries;

• And work from Classics and Ancient History that is helping people across the world access ancient Greek and Latin texts through the Diogenes and DiogenesWeb open-source software.

Find out more

• Professor Anna Rowlands is the St Hilda Professor of Catholic Social Thought and Practice, in Durham’s Department of Theology and Religion, and a member of the University’s Centre for Catholic Studies.

• Our Department of Theology and Religion is one of the most varied and dynamic in the UK; our Department is a place where ‘belief’ and ‘beliefs’ are taken seriously, respected, and studied. Together, we form a lively and welcoming community to those of all faiths and to those of none.Feeling inspired? Visit our Theology and Religion webpages for more information on our undergraduate and postgraduate programmes including our new MA in Catholic Theology (Distance Learning).

• The Centre for Catholic Studies is a centre for critically constructive Catholic studies, working in close partnership with the Catholic Church and other organisations, in multiple ways, to produce future leaders, foster talent, and promote the growth of Catholic scholarship locally and globally. 

• Discover more about Arts and Humanities at Durham.

Banner picture courtesy of Catholic News Service.