St Mary's Appoints Leading Academic as Professor in Theology

Right Reverend Monsignor Roderick Strange has been appointed Professor in Theology at St Mary’s University, Twickenham. Monsignor Strange joined St Mary’s as Visiting Professor in January and will now take up a permanent role at the University for the start of the 2015/16 academic year. He was previously Rector of the Pontifical Beda College in Rome. St Mary's Vice-Chancellor Francis Campbell said, “I am delighted Monsignor Strange has agreed to join us on a permanent basis. His expert grasp of theology and high standing in academia will be a tremendous asset to our School of Theology and to the University at large.” Monsignor Roderick Strange said, “I look forward to joining St Mary’s as a Professor in Theology. The permanent role will allow a deeper exploration of how faith contributes to learning.” Prior to his role at Pontifical Beda College, Monsignor Strange was a member of the Theology Faculty at the University of Oxford. He is also an elected Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts and has had several books and many articles published on pastoral and catechetical subjects with a particular focus on the life of Blessed John Henry Cardinal Newman. His most recent publication, John Henry Newman: A Mind Alive was received to wide acclaim. He also writes a monthly column for The Times newspaper on religion and faith. Monsignor Strange is the latest in a series of high-profile appointments as former Secretary of State for Education Ruth Kelly is to join St Mary’s in a new role as Pro Vice-Chancellor for Research and Enterprise while former Irish President Mary McAleese was made Distinguished Professor in Irish Studies. Meanwhile, former Cabinet minister, Baroness Warsi, leading barrister Cherie Blair, the UK’s Anti-Slavery Commissioner, Kevin Hyland and Rugby World Cup winning coach Sir Clive Woodward were all appointed as Visiting Professors in recent months. This year St Mary’s celebrates its 165th anniversary. The milestone is being marked by a number of high-profile events, including the recent installation of Cardinal Vincent Nichols as Chancellor in a service at Westminster Cathedral.