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New director for the Urban Theology Unit

By staff writers
March 20, 2016

The Rev Dr Keith Hebden, writer, activist, deanery advisor, pioneer minister and assistant priest in the Parish of Mansfield has been appointed as the new Director of the Urban Theology Unit in Sheffield, from September 2016. He will replace the Rev Dr Noel Irwin who becomes the Leader of the Church Related Community Work Programme of the United Reformed Church at Luther King House. 

Keith Hebden, an Ekklesia associate, has written Seeking Justice: The Radical Compassion of Jesus (2012), Dalit Theology and Christian Anarchism (2010) and various articles in books and journals, and is a regular speaker at events on national radio and social media. Keith brings fresh energy and ideas to UTU’s activities and will participate in their courses, including postgraduate work in Contextual Theology with MA and PhD students from all denominations.

In response to the new appointment, the Bishop of Sheffield, the Rt Rev Dr Steven Croft said, "We remain thankful for the presence of the Urban Theology Unit within the Diocese and City of Sheffield and I look forward to future partnerships in study and training".

The Rev Gill Newton, Chair of the Methodist Sheffield District said, “the Urban Theology Unit has made a valuable contribution to the theological education and training of many across South Yorkshire and beyond. I look forward to this continuing under Keith’s leadership over the coming years.”

Keith Hebden, said: "UTU has a national reputation as a pioneer of theology and mission in the heart of our cities. I'm very much looking forward to leading this great institution as we find new ways to respond to the changing challenges our urban centres face today."

* Keith Hebden is an Ekklesia Associate and blogs here

* The Urban Theology Unit:  http://www.utusheffield.org.uk/

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