Professor of Theological Ethics, Full-time faculty member, Vancouver School of Theology

Vancouver School of Theology

Professor of Theological Ethics

 

GENERAL INFORMATION

Accountable to: President and Dean of VST

Position Status: Full-time faculty member

Works closely with: Dean and Faculty

Relates to: All Programs and Staff

Application Deadline: October 30, 2026

 

SUMMARY

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 [email protected] 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 [email protected] or telephone 604-822-9808. The start date for this position is as soon as possible and no later than August 1, 2027.

 

About the Vancouver School of Theology

VST’s core mandate is to educate and form thoughtful, engaged and generous Christian leaders for the church in the 21st century. Among theological schools, VST is viewed as a change agent and an innovator for the church. As an affiliated college of the University of British Columbia, VST is now ranked in the top 50 schools globally and in the top 10 of most improved theological schools (2018, 2022). In 2020 VST was identified by In Trust Magazine as instituting bold transformative change for the renewal of theological education. VST is accredited by the Government of British Columbia, and in North America by ATS (Association of Theological Schools). VST has twice been a recipient of Lilly Foundation Pathway grants (2022, 2025): one for retooling theological field education ($1 million) and a second collaborative grant for excellence in congregational leadership with and for the United Church of Canada ($10 million).

The Vancouver School of Theology welcomes students from many Christian communions, other faith traditions and Indigenous communities, while celebrating its core relationships with the Anglican Church of Canada, Presbyterian Church in Canada, and United Church of Canada. The Indigenous Studies Program at VST is central to the school’s identity and commitments.

Vancouver School of Theology is committed to diversity within its community and especially welcomes applications from racialized persons/persons of colour, women, Indigenous people of North America, persons with disabilities, LGBTQ+ persons and others who may contribute to further diversification in the pursuit of the school’s vision and mission.

The Vancouver School of Theology acknowledges that the land on which they are located is the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territory of the xwməθkwəyəm (Musqueam) People.

For more information see: https://vst.edu/about/vision-mission-values/