The Revd Dr Peniel Rajkumar, Global Theologian, United Society Partners in the Gospel (USPG), will be installed as Honorary Minor Canon Theologian at the Evensong service at York Minster on Sunday 8^th May at 4pm.

Commenting on Peniel’s installation, the Revd Canon Michael Smith, Acting Dean of York said:  “In his role as Global Theologian, Peniel is part of USPG’s research team, addressing some of the defining issues of our time. His work takes a deep and systematic look at the contexts in which USPG’s partners are engaged around the world. With Peniel installed as Honorary Minor Canon Theologian at York Minster, USPG looks forward to continuing a long and mutually beneficial partnership here.”

Welcoming Peniel’s appointment, the Revd Canon Maggie McLean, the Minster’s Canon Missioner said:  “Peniel will bring a global perspective to our understanding of Christianity and discipleship. He will contribute a distinctive voice to our theological discussions and Bible Studies, and to our teaching through participating in webinars as well as other opportunities, such as preaching and leading small groups. His appointment as Honorary Minor Canon Theologian at York Minster, will also give him a base in the North of England as he continues his work with USPG across our region and as we support the work of this Mission Agency.”

The Revd Dr Duncan Dormor, General Secretary, USPG said:  “The appointment of Peniel, a person of exceptional gifts, ability and experience is an exciting and creative move and demonstrates York Minster’s commitment to engaging with the issues facing the world and the Church, and each one of us as we seek to serve our neighbour global and local today.”

Anticipating his new role, Peniel said:  “I am looking forward to supporting York Minster in fostering a culture and climate of theological engagement that can, in perpetual openness to the surprises of the Spirit, embrace the many promises and challenges of our times with courage, creativity and compassion.”

Peniel’s installation service will be live streamed on 8^th May. The link to the service will be available from 4pm HERE.

Biographical Details – The Revd Dr Peniel Rajkumar

Peniel Rajkumar joined USPG in July 2021 after serving for the past nine years as Programme Executive and coordinator for Interreligious Dialogue and Cooperation with the World Council of Churches, Geneva. He was also Adjunct Professor at the Ecumenical Institute to Bossey.

Peniel was ordained in the Diocese of London and served his curacy in North London (2005-2008), while completing his PhD in Applied Theology from the University of Kent at Canterbury.  He also served as Associate Professor of Theology and Christian Social Ethics and Director of Field Education at the United Theological College in Bangalore India from 2008 to 2013.

A theologian with a focus on justice and solidarity, Peniel’s research interests are in Dalit Theology, Interreligious Dialogue, Mission, Decolonialism, and World Christianities. He is the author of many books and articles including Dalit Theology and Dalit Liberation (Ashgate: 2010), Asian Theology on the Way: Christianity, Culture and Context (SPCK/Fortress 2013/2016), and recently edited Faith(s) Seeking Justice: Dialogue and Liberation, (Geneva: WCC 2021). Peniel is an Honorary Canon at Worcester Cathedral.

As Global Theologian with USPG, Peniel seeks to facilitate theological education, encounter and exchange both within the UK as well as the wider Anglican Communion that is genuinely global in scope and decolonial in perspective. Peniel believes in having an honest and healthy engagement with the past so that we can live God’s just future now.