On Thursday 29 October 2026, Rev Dr Raj Bharat Patta, minister at the Methodist United Stockport Circuit, presented the eleventh Annual Scottish Episcopal Institute Lecture at Holy Trinity & St Barnabas Scottish Episcopal Church, Paisley, titled ‘Towards a subaltern theology of sanctuary in the context of far-right extremism’.
Rev Dr Anna-Claar Thomasson-Rosingh (Acting Principal and Director of Contextual Formation) opened the evening by welcoming those who had gathered, drawing the connection between SEI’s Annual Lecture taking place in-person at a local charge as an outworking of SEI’s role to provide links between the local church and the Academy.
Dr Victoria Turner (Director of Studies) then welcomed Rev Dr Raj Bharat Patta, who had kindly travelled from Manchester to present SEI’s Annual Lecture.
Rev Dr Raj Bharat Patta’s lecture explored the current context of far-right extremism and the theological imaginaries that uphold it, sharing case studies from his personal life and ministry. Rev Dr Patta then began to explore and unpack ways in which the Church might recover its role as sanctuary – offering hope, home, and hospitality for all.
Rev Dr Patta’s lecture argued that the church’s task lies in exposing the God who dwells among those who have been denied sanctuary; recovering the Bible as a text of hospitality rather than hostility; and becoming active creators of multi-cultural, multi-faith sanctuary, where everyone belongs. Rev Dr Patta’s lecture was followed by 20 minutes of Q&A and refreshments.
The recording of Rev Dr Raj Bharat Patta’s lecture is now available here:
The Scottish Episcopal Institute extends its deep gratitude to Rev Dr Raj Bharat Patta for accepting the invitation to give the 2026 SEI Annual Lecture, and to Holy Trinity & St Barnabas Scottish Episcopal Church, Paisley for so warmly hosting us all.
