Dr Rowan Williams joins call to save Heythrop College (+ petition)

A group of leading theologians and academics including the former Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, have added their voices to the growing calls to save Heythrop College from closure. In a letter to the Times today they write:

'For those of us familiar with the intellectual stature and impact of this unique Jesuit institution, the announcement came as a rude shock. Deeper reflection makes it clear that its closure, as currently constituted, would be a serious blow to theological, religious, and philosophical teaching and research in the UK. We write to urge reconsideration.

'It is indeed an irony that the Jesuit-led governing body should now seek to dissolve this powerfully effective accord with the University of London when it is unclear that the possible means of meeting the relevant problems have all been explored. At this stage it seems appropriate, therefore, to express the dismay and sorrow of colleagues across the UK and beyond, and to offer any support that might aid a reconsideration.

'Heythrop is not an institution that can be replaced by anything equal or equivalent to it.'

Professor Sarah Coakley, Norris-Hulse Professor of Divinity, University of Cambridge, Honorary Canon of Ely Cathedral
Dr Rowan Williams FBA, Master of Magdalene College, Cambridge
Professor David Ford, Regius Professor of Divinity, University of Cambridge
Professor Brian Leftow, Nolloth Professor of the Philosophy of the Christian Religion, University of Oxford
The Very Revd Professor Martyn Percy, Christ Church, University of Oxford
Professor Julius Lipner FBA, Professor Emeritus of Hinduism and the Comparative Study of Religion, Faculty of Divinity, University of Cambridge
Professor Graham Ward, Regius Professor of Divinity, University of Oxford
Professor John Cottingham, Professor Emeritus of Philosophy, University of Reading, Professorial Fellow, Heythrop College
Professor Keith Ward FBA, Regius Professor of Divinity Emeritus, University of Oxford, Professorial Fellow, Heythrop College
Professor Roger Scruton FBA, FRSI, University of Buckingham
Professor Ursula King FRSA, Professor Emerita of Theology and Religious Studies, University of Bristol
Professor Robert Stern, President of the British Philosophical Association
Professor Janet Soskice, Professor of Philosophical Theology, University of Cambridge
Professor Oliver Davies, Professor of Christian Doctrine, KCL
Professor Anthony O'Hear, Professor of Philosophy, University of Buckingham
Professor Paul S. Fiddes, Professor of Systematic Theology, University of Oxford
Dr Anita Avramides, Reader in Philosophy of Mind, St Hilda's College, Oxford
Dr Clare Carlisle, Senior Lecturer in Philosophy and Theology, KCL
Dr Peter Dennis, LSE Fellow in Philosophy, London School of Economics and Political Science
Dr Joshua Furnal, Honorary Fellow, Department of Theology and Religion, Durham University
Professor Sophie-Grace Chappell, Professor of Philosophy, The Open University
Professor Sebastian Gardner, Philosophy of Philosophy, UCL

See also: ICN 15 August 2015 - Petition: Stop the closure of Heythrop College www.indcatholicnews.com/news.php?viewStory=28081