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Centre for Catholic Studies

Catholic Theology in the Public Academy
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Remembering Pope Francis

The CCS looks back on Pope Francis' papacy.

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Welcome to the Centre for Catholic Studies

Founded in 2007, the Centre for Catholic Studies (CCS) at Durham University represents a creative partnership between academy and church: a centre within the pluralist, public academy for critically constructive Catholic studies of the highest academic standing.

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The UK's 1st permanent centre devoted to world-class research and teaching in Catholic theology in the public academy
Partnerships with the Catholic Church and other organisations
A distinctive forum for the creative analysis of key issues in Catholic thought, culture, and practice
A vibrant, inclusive community of scholars of Catholicism and practitioners of Catholic theology
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To receive details of our upcoming events, click the link below and select from the following: A. CCS notices that can may be of interest to those residing at a distance from Durham. B. Includes part A plus academic talks taking place in Durham. C. Includes parts A and B plus non-academic talks.

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About us

The CCS is the UK’s first permanent centre devoted to pioneering world-class research and teaching in Catholic theology in the public academy. We operate within the UK’s premier research Department of Theology and Religion (as assessed by the last two research assessment exercises: RAE 2008 and REF 2014), and work in close partnership with the Catholic Church and other organisations, in multiple ways, to produce future leaders, foster talent, and foment Catholic scholarship locally and globally.
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The Boundary Breaking Project

The CCS's Boundary Breaking research project explored the ecclesial and cultural implications of the child abuse crisis in the Catholic Church in England and Wales. This led to the publication of "The Cross of the Moment" and a follow-up quantitative report.

Find out more and download the reports

Research Programme Areas

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New MA in Catholic Theology (Distance Learning)

This is an exciting new programme which is led by Durham University's Centre for Catholic Studies and the Department of Theology and Religion.

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Vacancy for a FCJ Postdoctoral Research Associate in the History of Catholicism

The Centre for Catholic Studies (CCS) at Durham University is advertising for a FCJ Postdoctoral Research Associate in the History of Catholicism.  The CCS is offering this post in partnership with the Faithful Companions of Jesus (FCJ).

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Postdoctoral Research Associate Role in CSTP

The Department of Theology and Religion at Durham University, in partnership with the Society of the Sacred Heart, invites applications for a 36-month Fellowship in Catholic Social Thought and Practice.
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Durham University PhD Studentship on Contextual Safeguarding in Catholic Church Contexts

The Department of Theology and Religion at Durham University is inviting applications from individuals to undertake a fully funded 3-year PhD on the topic of Contextual Safeguarding in Catholic Church Contexts.
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New article in TIME magazine

Prof Anna Rowlands has published an article in TIME magazine about Pope Leo XIV.
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Remembering Pope Francis

As Catholics around the world heard the news of the pontiff's death on the 21st April 2025, the Centre for Catholic Studies looks back on his leadership, his personality and his legacy.
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'Strange Ways of Theology' - new article by Karen Kilby in The Tablet

When Distance Learning has a far-reaching impact.
Research news
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The Centre for Catholic Studies' Newsletter, Epiphany term 2025

CCS Newsletter 50 is now available online.
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Read more

'Strange Ways of Theology' - new article by Karen Kilby in The Tablet

When Distance Learning has a far-reaching impact.

Close up of a student's hand writing on a sheet of paper.

The Centre for Catholic Studies' Newsletter, Epiphany term 2025

CCS Newsletter 50 is now available online.
Jpeg of Durham Franciscan Conference

Abuse crisis in Catholic Church has led to drop in Mass attendance

A third of Catholics who previously went to Mass have reduced their attendance or stopped going altogether as a result of the child sexual abuse crisis in the Catholic Church.
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Prayer for Peace in Ukraine

God of peace, your prophet Isaiah promised swords would be turned into ploughshares,
and your Son’s mother, Mary, proclaimed the mighty would be put down and the humble exalted:
visit the people of Ukraine; deliver them from fear, violence, attack, injury, destruction, death;
and give them courage, solidarity and allies in their hour of vulnerability and sorrow.
Turn the hearts of those bent on war and invasion.
Strengthen the hand of all seeking to halt conflict, restore order, and pursue justice.
And make this moment of peril an occasion for your Holy Spirit to show your world the cost of conflict and our dependence on one another.
In Christ our Lord, who went to his death because of our hatred, and rose again because our hatred is never stronger than your indomitable love.
Amen.
(Bishop Kenneth Nowakowski of the Ukrainian Catholic Church)
 

Get in touch

For general enquiries for the Centre for Catholic Studies, please click on the "email us" button below.

Centre for Catholic Studies

Department of Theology and Religion

Durham University 

Abbey House 

Palace Green 

Durham 

DH1 3RS 

Tel: +44 (0) 191 33 41656