Dr Selina Stone
Lecturer in Theology and Ethics
Background
Dr Selina Stone is a theologian and ethicist whose research, writing and teaching explore the possibilities and problems of our life together particularly in relation to power, liberation and wellbeing. Rooted in both womanism and Pentecostalism, her work is geared towards change making and healing both within Christian communities and in our wider social life. Her latest book 'A Heavy Yoke: Theology, Power and Abuse in the Church' was published by SCM Press in 2025. She is host of the Sunday School for Misfits podcast (2022-)
Prior to joining the University of Edinburgh, Dr Stone was Postdoctoral Research Associate in Theological Education at the University of Durham (2022-24). Her work included an oversight role within the Common Awards validation partnership, research and training for theological colleges on EDI and Decolonisation. Previously, she worked as Lecturer in Theology and Social Justice and Formation Tutor at St Mellitus college (2017-22). Her PhD in Pentecostal Theology and Ethics (University of Birmingham, 2021) was published as 'The Spirit and the Body: Towards a Womanist Pentecostal Social Justice Ethic' (Brill, 2023). She is also the author of 'Tarry Awhile: Wisdom from Black Spirituality for People of Faith' named the Archbishop of Canterbury's Lent Book 2024. She was the lead researcher for the national project on race and clergy wellbeing in the Church of England and author of the project report "If It Wasn't For God: A Report on Global Majority Heritage Clergy Wellbeing in the Church of England" (2022).
Qualifications
PhD, University of Birmingham, 2021
MA, King's College London, 2014
BA, University of Birmingham, 2010
Responsibilities & affiliations
Selina is a member of the National Committee for the Society for the Study of Theology (2023-
Memberships: Society for the Study of Theology, Society for the Study of Christian Ethics, GloPent (Global Pentecostalism Network).
Undergraduate teaching
DIVI10133 Black Feminist/Womanist Theology and Ethics
DIVI10100 Public Theologies: Thinkers and Themes
DIVI08025 Christian Theology: Doctrines and Debates
DIVI08028 Theology and Religious Studies Foundation Seminar
DIVI08001 Religion, Violence and Peacebuilding
Postgraduate teaching
THET11066 Public Theologies: Current Controversies
DIVI11081 Black Feminist/Womanist Theology and Ethics
Open to PhD supervision enquiries?
Yes
Areas of interest for supervision
I would be pleased to hear from prospective PhD students whose work falls within my main areas of current research including womanist, Black and decolonial theologies (especially theological anthropology)
Research summary
My research interests are wide ranging, but focus generally on the questions that emerge through the encounter between historical or systematic theology and Black, womanist and postcolonial perspectives on human life, God and scripture. My work is critical and constructive: examining historically accepted accounts of Christian doctrine and ethics, and constructing alternatives through dialogue with overlooked perspectives. I am very committed to theological and ethical work that is engaged with contemporary issues, especially as experienced by communities historically underserved by academic research.
Current research interests
My current research project is focussed on constructive theological anthropology, drawing on philosopher Sylvia Wynter and womanist theology. I am also currently engaged in work on theology and abuse in religious contexts. I have also conducted recent work on divine providence and Christian ethics in 18th century colonial contexts; race and clergy wellbeing; and Christlikeness and coloniality.Past research interests
Pentecostal Theology, Spirituality and Ethics; Decolonisation and Theological Education.Past project grants
AHRC International Fellowship (2025)