I am Endowed Professor Liberal Religion and Humanism. My primary aim for this chair is to aid in restoring faith in freedom and democracy. I begin with the premise that politics is fundamentally an act of collective faith. The question is, how is that faith upheld, altered, and undermined? As well as undertaking theoretical and empirical research, I collaborate with people outside of the university to develop societal interventions. 

I focus on:

• The dominant societal symbols, from the crucifix, to the idea of freedom, to the national flag, that shape understandings of what is politically possible and desirable.
• The myths and rituals that give form to dominant symbols, from stories about the Second World War and celebrations of Liberation, to subtler, everyday gestures like listening to people whose views we abhor.
• The dramaturgical techniques by which dominant symbols are and can be mobilised to either maintain the status quo or inspire social and political transformation.
• Collaborating with policymakers, social entrepreneurs, activists, and artists to put theoretical insights to the test in live settings. I am particularly intrigued by the use of rehearsals as a means of addressing social and political challenges.

For the theoretical basis of this work, check out:

If you want to explore these ideas with me, either theoretically or in practice, don't hesitate to get in touch.