Theologian appointed president of Manchester Ecumenical Partnership

Professor James O'Connell has been appointed president of the Partnership for Theological Education in Manchester. James O'Connell is Professor Emeritus of Peace Studies and Research Professor in the Department of Peace Studies at Bradford University. He worked in Nigeria and Northern Ireland, before taking up a post in Bradford in 1978. A Roman Catholic, James O'Connell has been deeply committed to ecumenical collaboration and is well known for his work with the Bradford Churches Inner Ring Group, to which he has been a theological adviser. He has written on a wide range of subjects, overlapping the disciplines of politics, theology, ethics and education and has been welcomed as visiting Professor in many parts of the world. Revd Dr Richard Kidd, who chaired the Appointing Group, said "When we began the task of finding a new President, two phrases shaped our thinking. Firstly, a person with proven skills in the areas of theology and education. Secondly, a person who will provide visionary and strategic leadership, on a strongly collaborative model. In James O'Connell I am confident that we have found just such a person and the Partnership is well poised to build on the excellent foundations which have been laid in recent years."