News

What comes to mind with the word “Theology?” Boring? Academic? Dry? Maybe so. But “theology” is about God—the dynamic, surprising, and thrilling Creator who became flesh but will not sit still in a university library or in an academic classroom. “Theology” is rigorous thinking about the God of Christian faith who reveals himself not just to theologians, but to everyone who […]

Step Forward 2017 Bookings are now being taken for the 2017 Step Forward event which will take place on Saturday 4th February 2017 at Bishopthorpe in York. Hosted by Archbishop Sentamu, this exciting free event is for anyone aged 18 – 30 who is considering ordained ministry in the Anglican Church and has been a real help in encouraging vocations. […]

New Book on Global Anglicanism from Cranmer Cranmer Hall’s Centre for Church Growth Research has produced Growth and Decline in the Anglican Communion, 1980 to the Present, newly published by Routledge in paperback and hardback. This was also featured in the recent Church Times at: https://www.churchtimes.co.uk/articles/2017/6-january/features/features/a-story-of-growth-and-decline The Anglican Communion is one of the largest Christian denominations in the world. Growth and Decline in the […]

Revd Dr Philip Plyming appointed as the new Warden of Cranmer Hall in St John’s College, Durham University.  We are delighted to announce the appointment of Revd Dr Philip Plyming as successor to Bishop Mark Tanner as Warden of Cranmer Hall. Philip is currently Vicar of Claygate in the Diocese of Guildford and also Area Dean of Emly. Holy Trinity […]

I pray that the new Warden will continue the ethos of warm welcome, diversity and inclusivity…and do so with humour and humility. Micah 6:8 ~ He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God. God of wisdom, we […]

St John’s College and Cranmer Hall are delighted to hear the news that one of our former Cranmer Hall tutors, Rev Dr Michael Volland, has been appointed as Principal of Ridley Hall, an Anglican theological college in Cambridge. Michael was supported by the College in his doctorate here at Durham and was nurtured in his thinking and teaching as Director of […]

PERHAPS it should become mandatory for Christians training for priesthood to keep a diary, from the arrival at the Bishops’ Advisory Panel to the moment the collar is in place and the hands are laid on at the cathedral. It would not be for the bishops’, or directors of ordinands’, eyes — rather, it could create a valuable record of […]

Cranmer Hall, St Johns College, Durham Explore Day – Friday 20 January 2017, 9.30 am to 3.30 pm Leading like Jesus A study day led by Ian Parkinson which will help existing church leaders and those training to be leaders to learn from the gospels how Jesus led – and apply those insights to leading churches today. Ian is a […]

New Book: Wrestling with the Word – Preaching Tricky Texts Kate Bruce and Jamie Harrison (eds). In Wrestling with the Word, well-known and accomplished preachers grapple with a range of notoriously difficult Old and New Testament texts. As well as providing sample sermons – in an exhilarating variety of structural styles and voices – they offer ideas to help in […]