Rob James

Although I’ve been to Canada before on business and on vacation, my job at VST is the first time I’ve lived here. I grew up in England and have worked for the UK government and for the Church of England as a parish priest and in a Cathedral. I’ve often taught undergraduates and seminarians alongside these roles. People ask me why I came to Canada. The answer is that I love the place, both the landscapes and the people I’ve interacted with in Canada over the years. For some time I had thought that if the right job came up at VST, I really should apply. It came up and I applied, and now here I am.

I have broad theological interests, with publications on doctrine, African biblical interpretation and pastoral theology as well as the New Testament. Over the last few years, the New Testament has become my main research focus, Luke’s Gospel in particular. I’ve also undertaken work on religiously motivated terrorism.

I have a great love of the Anglican tradition, and I’m delighted to now be part of the Anglican Church in Canada, an affirming and broad church.

I am married to Jean, and we enjoy walking, travelling, and gardening. We are very pleased to have found a small garden plot at a local church where we can dig and plant.

I’ve never been too sure of what the future might hold, but I travel hopefully, trying to discern the way ahead as best I can. I’m delighted to have found myself at VST, which certainly feels a place I am called to, and I look forward to working with students as you discern your way ahead.

Dr. Rev. Rob James holds degrees from Kent, SOAS, Nottingham, St. Andrews and Cambridge. He was awarded his PhD in 2010 from SOAS, a college of the University of London. It was on biblical interpretation. His book The Spiral Gospel: Intratextuality in Luke’s Narrative was published in September 2022 by Cambridge-based publishers James Clarke. Before coming to VST, Rob was Canon Chancellor of Wells Cathedral, Somerset, in the UK.