Theology for all

In December 2024 I was delighted to be appointed as the new Director of Leeds Church Institute (LCI). Having been the Head of Chaplaincy in the Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust (2001-2017) I came back to the city with some awareness of LCI, a charity founded in the 19th century by the Vicar of Leeds. It was created by a Vicar of Leeds to further Christian adult education, and education in keeping with Christian values. That’s a fairly broad remit, and it has been interpreted in many different ways over the years. Recently there has been a focus on social justice, reflecting a founding concern to meet the needs of the poorer communities in the city. 

Today LCI has made commitments to faith racial justice; faith and creativity; and faith at the margins – including those in precarious economic circumstances. Alongside these areas of development, which include a festival of theology and art, LCI has important links to universities in Leeds, and we work in partnership with many different organisations. 

All of this work is communicated in a variety of ways, not least in our free quarterly publication CITYtheology.  

It is not always easy or straightforward to communicate the value of theology. Our programme of art events and installations provides one form of sensory encounter and experience which often provoke thoughts and unexpected connections. This can help to inspire new thoughts and feelings, especially as art disturbs the familiar and, as always, points beyond itself to something larger.