Dr Victoria Turner, currently Lecturer in Mission and Pastoral Studies at Ripon College Cuddesdon, has been appointed Director of Studies at the Scottish Episcopal Institute!
Victoria succeeds the Rev Dr Anna-Claar Thomasson-Rosingh on 1 August 2025. Anna-Claar has served as Director of Studies from late 2023, after ministering as Chaplain at the Dungavel Immigration Removal Centre, where she was responsible for the spiritual and pastoral care for the men and women detained to be deported. Anna-Claar will transition into her new post of Director of Contextual Formation as Victoria comes on board. Thus, by the start of the academic year 2025–26, the Scottish Episcopal Institute team will be at full strength. SEI is looking forward to abundant and life-giving summer!
Victoria earned her doctorate in World Christianity at the School of Divinity, New College, University of Edinburgh, where her research examined how missional theology, impacted by the Global South, influenced the practice of Reformed mission in the UK by focusing on the Iona Community and the Council for World Mission. Victoria earned her BA (Hons) in Religion and Theology at the University of Bristol. Victoria is co-editor of the International Journal of the Study of the Christian Church and book-review editor for Modern Believing. Victoria’s research interests include World Christianity, ecumenism, youth studies, decolonial & liberation theology, interfaith studies, mission history & theology, and political & practical theology.
The Rev Prof Michael Hull, Principal of the Scottish Episcopal Institute, welcomed the new appointment, having served on the Interview Panel, on behalf of the Scottish Episcopal Institute Council. He said, ‘Victoria has a passion for theological education and a variety of gifts and talents across a broad spectrum of theology. The academic year 2025–26 will be an exciting one for SEI as we welcome Victoria and seek to integrate her wisdom and experience into our ongoing efforts to form people for ministry.’ On accepting her appointment, Victoria said, ‘I’m very much looking forward to joining the team at SEI!’
The Scottish Episcopal Institute supports ordinands, students for lay ministries, and those engaged in deepening their Christian faith in our churches. It does this through programmes of formation and learning that aim to encourage baptised people to respond to the call of God in their lives. The Director of Studies post carries the responsibility for oversight of all elements of ministerial formation that are validated as part of formal academic programmes. Thus, the Director of Studies synthesises rigorous academic achievement within the Scottish Episcopal Institute’s formation-led training for ministry within a context of formation for the discipleship of all the baptised. The Director is also, ex officio, the Editor of the Scottish Episcopal Institute Journal, the Secretary of the Board of Studies and Board of Examiners.
