The Centre for Public Theology (CPT) is a research institution housed at Huron University College at the University of Western Ontario in London, On.The CPT was established through a SSHRC major grant to promote research, reflection and disseminate constructive theological and further interaction concerning Canadian public life between the academy and other non-traditional University stakeholders include NGOs, Faith-Based Groups (FBOs), Politicians, Media and interested persons in the general public.The Centre, however, is NOT an advocacy group for a religious or theological tradition but a nexus from which Canadian based and international theologians, social scientists and other scholars, together with religious leaders, policy makers, NGO/FBOs, media and the public can engage in constructive dialogue on theological, moral and cultural issues that frame current and historic Canadian context in the area of public life, policy and service.
The CPT is fortunate to have had a luminous list of scholars participate in its research cycle. Our scholars and area experts have been international as fits our mandate with participants from Canada, USA, United Kingdom, SE Asia and Africa.
Our Leadership:
Darren C Marks (Director): Dr Marks teaches Theology, Religious and Jewish Studies at Huron University College. He is the author of numerous books, articles and other publications dealing with a range of religious and theological concerns. Dr Marks studied both empirical sciences and theology at the Universities of Toronto and Oxford. He resides in Stratford, Ontario, where he coaches fencing.
Gary D Badcock (co-founder): Dr Badcock is Peache Professor of Divinity at Huron University College and Chair of the Graduate Program in Theology at the University of Western Ontario. He is the author of numerous books and articles in theology. Dr Badcock studied philosophy at the Memorial University of Newfoundland and theology at the University of Edinburgh. He resides in London, Ontario.
Our Advisory Board:
Periodically, the CPT calls on its advisory board to help shape our research questions, drawing on thier experiences and expertise. Our present board consists of: Duncan Forrester (Emeritus Edinburgh); Douglas Hall (Emeritus McGill); Emmanual Katongole (Duke); George Newlands (Emeritus Glasgow); Agbonkhianmeghe Orobator (Hekima, Kenya); Lamin Sennah (Yale); and William Storrar (Princeton). Working as area experts in our research interests, we have: Cassandra Carmichael (Eco-Justice -National Council of Churches); David Ceccheto (HIV-AIDS, Schulich School of Medicine, UWO), and Evan Davies (Environment, Calgary).