The 2023 Relaunch
A reflection from The Most Reverend Justin Welby, Archbishop of Canterbury
I’m delighted to relaunch the Michael Ramsey Prize for theological writing this year.
It has been a real privilege over the years to engage with esteemed writers, to be encouraged and challenged by new ideas and award the Michael Ramsey Prize for writing which equips us to live out our faith in a 21st Century world. I very much am looking forward to reading submissions this year and, with the generous help, of the McDonald Agape Foundation, support a new set of theologians writing for the Church today.
Theology is an essential part of faith – it’s about seeking to understand God and his relationship with us. And so it’s also about how we relate to others and the world around us in the light of that love. As we read theology, we also allow it to read us – and fill our hearts a little more with the life of Christ. This is a wonderful opportunity to nominate your favourite theological books published over the last few years.
The prize-winning book should encourage, challenge and inspire readers in their journey as followers of Jesus Christ.
It is absolutely vital that Christians engage thoughtfully, in a deep and robust manner, with scripture, doctrine and tradition. Theology isn’t just for a few clever people – thinking about who God is to us is what humans have done for thousands of years. It’s at the heart of who we are. In a world that is changing so rapidly, we face questions about the big issues of our time – technology, AI, science, climate change – whilst also continuing to grapple with the questions people have always asked about how we live meaningful lives together. I want everyone in the pews to have a faith that is seeking understanding, and feel that there are theological texts which they find exciting, which reveals something new of God to them and changes the way they look at the world and other people.
That’s why my prayer is that this new prize encourages all this and more – and brings to light the word of God in our lives and our world today. I especially hope that the prize seeks out and centres those voices in the church that have historically been marginalised and overlooked. Because in that way we will have more of a sense that everyone is not just welcome, but essential, around the table that God calls us to as his beloved disciples.
So – spread the word and get thinking, and let’s celebrate those writers who are challenging us in new ways to understand more about the boundless hope, mercy, justice, peace and love of God.