Professor of Theological Ethics

Description

The successful candidate for this position will be a member of the team of staff and faculty committed to theological education for ministry at Vancouver School of Theology (VST). At VST our calling is to educate and form thoughtful, engaged and generous Christian leaders in collaboration with the Indigenous Church, other faith traditions and the global church. This is a full-time position. The initial appointment will be made for a three-year term. The appointment can be renewed for a further term or terms in accordance with the provisions of the VST Faculty Handbook. Compensation will be related to the experience and qualifications of the candidate. The terms of employment are those set out in the VST Faculty Handbook.

Vancouver School of Theology, an ecumenical, theological institution committed to the constructive interpretation of Christian faith and life in conversation with contemporary scholarship, seeks to appoint a Professor of Theological Ethics. The ideal candidate will be an active member of a Christian church and possess significant experience in both clinic and congregational settings, bringing practical insight to the study and teaching of theological ethics.

Responsibilities and Teaching Areas:

The faculty member will be expected to teach across the VST’s basic and advanced degree programs (M.Div., M.A.T.S., MAPPL, MAIIS, Th.M., and Ph.D.), including the following specific areas:

• Ethics for Clergy in Congregational Settings: Focusing on the unique ethical challenges and responsibilities of pastoral ministry.
• Hospital Chaplaincy Ethics: Addressing ethical issues encountered in clinical and healthcare environments.
• Theology and Technology: Exploring the intersection of theological reflection and emerging technological developments, including AI.
• Bioethics and Social Ethics: Covering a range of contemporary moral issues in medicine, public life, and social justice.
• Contemporary Ethical Challenges for Churches in Canada: Addressing other pressing issues specific to the Canadian context.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE:

The candidate must demonstrate commitment to scholarship, teaching excellence, and engagement with the broader church and academic community.

• Academic: A Ph.D. (or equivalent) in theology, in the area of Ethics, is required.
• Ecclesial/Practical: Must be an active member of a Christian church, Anglican or United Church of Canada preferred, and possess documented experience in both clinic and congregational settings.
• Teaching: Demonstrated ability to teach effectively at both basic and advanced degree levels.
• Scholarship/Interests:An interest in the constructive interpretation of Christian faith and life in conversation with contemporary scholarship in the humanities, sciences, and arts demonstrated in a publications record.An interest in ecumenical and interfaith dialogue and engagement with Indigenous church contexts.
• Administration: Experience in appropriate academic administration of programs (e.g., program development, curriculum oversight) is highly desirable.
• Service: A keen interest in providing resources for churches connected with VST, contributing to the school's mission of equipping leaders for the church and the world.

TO APPLY:

A complete application includes a cover letter, CV, and the submission of three letters of reference, which the candidate solicits and has sent directly to VST. At least one reference should speak to the quality of applicant’s teaching, academic background and publication record and another to the applicant’s ecclesial experience. In accordance with Canadian immigration requirements, this advertisement is directed primarily to Canadian citizens and permanent residents.

Applications may be e-mailed to fbrown@vst.edu or sent via postal mail to Attention: President’s Office, 6015 Walter Gage Road, Vancouver, B.C. V6T 1Z1. The application should be post-marked no later than October 30, 2026. Informal inquiries about the position may be made with The Rev. Dr. Richard Topping via email richardt@vst.edu or telephone 604-822-9808. The start date for this position is as soon as possible and no later than August 1, 2027.