First Commonwealth Theologian in Residence appointed
Monday, 13th January 2025
The Reverend Dr Ishaya Anthony has been appointed as Westminster Abbey’s inaugural Commonwealth Theologian in Residence for the Lent Term 2025. He will take up the position later in January.
This new annual appointment will enable an exceptional theologian from a Commonwealth country to experience and contribute towards the life of Westminster Abbey, whilst pursuing a research or writing project for a period of four months.
About Dr Anthony
Dr Anthony is Canon Theologian of the Diocese of Kwoi, Nigeria. He is also a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the Department of Religious Studies, University of Johannesburg, and a research assistant in the Religion and Media Group at the Desmond Tutu Centre for Religion and Social Justice, South Africa. He completed a joint PhD (2023) in Educational Science from The University of Ghent, Belgium, and a PhD in Theological Studies from the University of the Western Cape, South Africa, along with an MTh (2017) in Practical Theology from Stellenbosch University, South Africa, and an Advanced Master’s degree (June 2024) in Ecumenical Studies from the Ecumenical Institute of the World Council of Churches (WCC), Bossey, Switzerland.
His PhD dissertation explored the socio-political economy of religious media in Nigeria. His wide-ranging research interests include public theology, prophetic preaching and media, ecumenical theology, and decoloniality. In addition to his work as an academic theologian, he has a long-standing commitment to advocacy around the themes of climate change, human rights and African social transformation.
A long-standing commitment to the Commonwealth
Dr Anthony said:
‘I am very grateful and delighted to be selected for this critical and prestigious research-driven, people-centred, community-oriented, and contextual theological position. I am open, humble, and joyfully willing to learn, unlearn, and relearn from the historical and strategic ministry at Westminster Abbey. The opportunity will equip me to become a more strategic scholar and a faithful churchman who strives to appreciate the image of God in every person, whilst also working to promote the flourishing of the Commonwealth.’
The Abbey’s Canon Theologian, the Reverend Dr Jamie Hawkey, said:
‘Westminster Abbey has a long-standing and deep commitment to the Commonwealth, welcoming High Commissioners each year on their National Days, and hosting the annual Commonwealth Day Service. This new post allows us to further develop that relationship, encouraging theological scholarship across the Commonwealth, and creating an alumni community which will nurture forms of solidarity and flourishing across borders and communities. Through this particular appointment, we are also delighted to support theological education in the Anglican Communion, as we look to the future with hope.’
Celebrating the Commonwealth
The Abbey will also be celebrating the Commonwealth at a series of special events this spring. Tours, talks and a festival day will be held in February and March, inspired by the people and cultures of the Commonwealth and exploring the Abbey's links with this worldwide family of nations.
