Finalists chosen for Theology Slam 2021
The final of Theology Slam 2021 will feature some of the UK’s best young voices on theology and the contemporary world, delivering impactful talks on the state of justice, creativity, and community in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Three finalists have been chosen to take part in the third annual final, which will take place online on 18th March:
Imogen Ball, a final year ordinand and MA student at Trinity College Bristol. Her topic is ‘Creativity In A Time Of Pandemic’ inspired by her experience of pregnancy, motherhood and creativity in the womb.
Joshua House, a recent theology graduate from the University of Leeds who is now working as a trainee RE teacher. His topic is ‘Community In A Time Of Pandemic’, drawing on his experience of the political situation in Jerusalem to focus on intergenerational trauma.
Flo O’Taylor, a PhD student at Durham university researching women’s experiences of addiction through the lens of political theology. Her topic is ‘Justice In A Time Of Pandemic’, considering the multiple systemic injustices exposed by the pandemic.
On the night, the audience will hear a short, punchy piece delivered by each finalist on their chosen topic, highlighting the relevance of theology to contemporary issues. The three talks will be judged on the night by a panel of experts and leading theologians:
Revd Dr Isabelle Hamley – Theological Adviser to the House of Bishops
Elizabeth Oldfield – Director of the UKs leading Religion and Society think tank, Theos.
Dave Benson – Director of Centre for Culture & Discipleship, LICC
Augustine Tanner-Ihm – Winner, Theology Slam 2020
The winner will receive £250 to spend at Church House Bookshop and his or her talk will be published in the Church Times in print and online.
Theology Slam is organised by Church Times, SCM Press and the London Institute for Contemporary Christianity (LICC).
Describing the competition in 2018, the Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby said: ‘Theology is exciting. It is about God’s word, God’s world and God’s people. It is vitally important for the church to nurture young Christians into thinking, speaking and writing about God and the world, and it is even more important that the Church listen to their voices.
‘Theology Slam encourages us to do just that: listen to God, listen to the world, and listen to the voices emerging within the Church, so we can join into God’s work in the world today.’
-ENDS-
Contact: David Shervington, senior commissioning editor, SCM Press: David.Shervington@hymnsam.co.uk / 020 7776 7545
Web: www.churchtimes.co.uk/theology-slam
Twitter: @theologyslam