Theos Think Tank

04/09/2026

It's safe to say we've been busy celebrating our big 20th birthday this year.

We're halfway through our 20th events programme, here's what we have coming up…

16 September at Westminster Abbey – 'Faith in Democracy' with Mishal Husain, Dame Caroline Spelman, Vicky Fox, Revd Dr James Hawkey and Nick Spencer: https://www.westminster-abbey.org/abbey-events/lectures-and-talks/2026/september/panel-discussion-faith-in-democracy

22 October at Southwark Cathedral – 'The Return of the Common Good' with Professor Mariana Mazzucato and a response from Professor Anna Rowlands: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-return-of-the-common-good-tickets-1998495327322

You can watch the recordings of our 20th anniversary events and find out more here: https://www.theosthinktank.co.uk/theos-20

02/09/2026

What draws us to festivals?

On BBC Radio 4's Thought for the Day, Chine McDonald - Author, speaker, broadcaster reflects on the human need to gather together in both joy and mourning following a weekend of festivals.

🎙️ Tune in here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/p0p7hhw5

02 SEPT 26

27/08/2026

"Dolly Parton’s unassuming spirituality serves as a reminder of what the true heart of Christian character should be – what it often is, quietly, away from the headlines."

Madeleine Pennington reflects on the life and faith of Dolly Parton, who has died aged 80.

Read it here: https://www.theosthinktank.co.uk/comment/2026/08/27/dolly-parton-and-the-christian-character

Madeleine Pennington reflects on the life and unassuming faith of Dolly Parton, who has died aged 80. 27/08/2026

26/08/2026

We're !

We are looking for a self–motivated and detail–orientated Fundraising and Supporter Relations Officer to join our team.

📍London (with some flexibility to work from home)
🕠 Part–time (0.6 FTE)
💼 £33,189 – £34,142 per annum [£19,912.80 – £20,484.60 pro rata]

Read the full job description and apply here: https://www.theosthinktank.co.uk/about/work-with-us

Theos stimulates the debate about the place of religion in society, challenging and changing ideas through research, commentary and events.

22/08/2026

"The abstract must always be grounded in the human." 💬

Listen to Nick Spencer and Rowan Williams unpack true human welfare on The Symposium series by the Church Times and St John's College, Cambridge.

Listen back here or on the podcast platform of your choice: https://www.churchtimes.co.uk/articles/2026/21-august/audio-video/podcast/the-symposium-nick-spencer-and-rowan-williams-true-human-welfare

Second episode of our series of talks, in association with St John’s College, Cambridge, and the diocese of Ely

21/08/2026

Comments from Rowan Williams about Christian Nationalism have hit headlines: https://bit.ly/4xMBaa6

How authentic is the “Christian” in Christian Nationalism? Is it just a political device? And is it a threat?

We have been asking similar questions in our research.

Find our work defining and unpacking Christian Nationalism here: https://www.theosthinktank.co.uk/christian-nationalism

Former archbishop of Canterbury also has ‘awkward questions’ for activist Tommy Robinson on his claimed faith

14/08/2026

“What job will studying Theology & Religious Studies get you?”

Theology & Religious Studies (TRS) in higher education invites you to explore life's most meaningful questions while gaining skills that employers actively look for.

Here are some real examples of what TRS graduates have gone on to achieve in their careers👇

Our new resource ‘Big Questions. Real-World Skills’ by George Lapshynov explores where studying TRS can take you.

Read more here: https://www.theosthinktank.co.uk/research/2026/08/12/big-questions-realworld-skills

14/08/2026

Are betting shops really the new community hubs?

As the Prime Minister and Premier League question the prominence of gambling companies, Hannah Rich reflects on the knotty ethics of the betting industry.

Read it here: https://www.theosthinktank.co.uk/comment/2026/08/14/a-bet-on-community

As the Premier League and Prime Minister question the prominence of betting companies, Hannah Rich reflects on the knotty ethics of the gambling industry and the need for regenerated community spaces. 14/08/2026

13/08/2026

Where could studying Theology and Religious Studies take you?

Theology & Religious Studies (TRS) is a course for curious minds. It invites students to explore beliefs that shape our world, drawing together different disciplines and opening up new perspectives. Learning to examine difficult questions matters in a world that can feel deeply divided.

And TRS is practical too.

Engaging with life's big questions develops skills such as communication, analysis of complex information, critical thinking, and navigating disagreement.

These skills are highly valued by employers across fields including law, journalism, policy, education, the civil service, finance and the NGO sector.

Studying TRS in higher education offers more than knowledge. It helps equip students to understand and navigate our world today.

📚 Find out more in our new resource ‘Big Questions. Real-World Skills' by George Lapshynov here: https://www.theosthinktank.co.uk/research/2026/08/12/big-questions-realworld-skills

💬 TRS graduates: what has studying this subject helped you do, think or become? Let us know in the comments.

12/08/2026

In an age of polarisation, declining trust and deep differences, what helps democracy flourish?

On Wednesday 16 September, join us in partnership with the Westminster Abbey Institute for 'Faith in Democracy'.

The latest event in our Theos 20 programme will explore the role of faith in British democracy and the values that sustain public trust in our increasingly pluralist society.

👉 Swipe to meet our speakers.

🎟️ More information and free tickets available here: https://www.westminster-abbey.org/abbey-events/lectures-and-talks/2026/september/panel-discussion-faith-in-democracy