Announcement of the Duns Scotus Chair in Franciscan Studies

On the feast day of Blessed John Duns Scotus, the Centre for Catholic Studies (CCS) in the Dept. of Theology and Religion at Durham University is pleased to announce the appointment of the inaugural holder of the Duns Scotus Chair in Franciscan Studies, Dr William Crozier.

This endowed Chair, initially a 5-year fixed term role, has been made possible through generous benefaction by Franciscan communities in Ireland, Great Britain, the USA, Canada, and Australia.

The appointment consolidates the long-term interests of the CCS to develop a research programme area in Franciscan Studies in partnership with global Franciscan communities. Dr Crozier, known as Billy, will participate in academic leadership for and development of a Franciscan Studies programme within the CCS, undertake research and teaching in Franciscan Studies, and also organise occasional academic conferences, summer schools, and other outreach activities in Franciscan Studies.

Fr. Aidan McGrath OFM, the Minister Provincial of the Franciscan Province of Ireland, said: "The Friars Minor in Ireland and in the United Kingdom warmly welcome the appointment of Dr William Crozier to the new chair of Blessed Duns Scotus in the University of Durham. The closure of the Franciscan Study Centre in Canterbury in 2017 was greatly regretted. Today, we anticipate a new springtime for Franciscan Studies in Britain and Ireland, and indeed, in the wider English-speaking world. The friars of the Franciscan Province of Ireland wish Dr Crozier every blessing and success in his work and we join with Franciscans near and far in thanking God for this much anticipated renewal in Franciscan studies".

 Br James Boner OFM Cap. the Provincial Delegate of the Delegation of Great Britain, added: “The inauguration of the Duns Scotus Chair at Durham University represents a bright future and viable home for Franciscan Studies, not only in Britain and Ireland, but for the English-speaking world.”

Billy is currently a Leverhulme Early Career Research Fellow in the Dept. of Theology and Religion at Durham, focusing on the medieval Franciscan understanding of the relationship between theology and science. Billy specialises in the study of classical Franciscan theology, philosophy, and science, specifically the thought of St. Bonaventure, Blessed John Duns Scotus, Alexander of Hales, and Robert Grosseteste. He is also interested in the reception of Franciscan figures in 20^th and 21^st century theology. He is trained in Latin, palaeography, codicology, and the editing of medieval texts, and has experience of teaching Franciscan theology (both in-person and distance learning) at undergraduate and postgraduate level, as well as of supervising MA and PhD students working in classical Franciscan thought and its relevance for modern theology.

Billy did his undergraduate degree, his MA, and PhD at Durham.  Billy was a CCS Scholarship recipient throughout his postgraduate studies and received both Catherine McAuley and St Jude scholarships.

Billy says, "I am deeply humbled and honoured to be invited to take up the role of the inaugural holder of the Duns Scotus Chair in Franciscan Studies. I very much look forward to working in partnership with the CCS, the various Franciscan donors who have so generously funded the Duns Scotus Chair, and the wonderful staff and students at Durham. In all that I do in the post I will strive to fulfil the Franciscan vision of theology as a ‘practical science’, one geared towards the building of cathedrals of the heart and not simply the promotion of learning."

The CCS Director Prof Karen Kilby also welcomed the new Chair, saying: "Billy is a scholar of depth and breadth, a gifted teacher, and a wonderfully gentle person. We really look forward to seeing the Franciscan studies programme grow in the coming years under his leadership, and continuing to work together with all of our Franciscan partners who have been so supportive.”

Billy will begin this 5-year fixed term post on 1 January 2025. You can find out more about our Franciscan Studies programme here.