Press Releases22 Jan 09

Theological Institute Appoints Lecturer in Biblical Studies

Church of Ireland Theological Institute Appoints
Ms Katie Heffelfinger as Lecturer in Biblical Studies

The Archbishops and  Bishops of the Church of Ireland and the Director of the Church of Ireland Theological Institute (CITI) today (22/1/09) announce the appointment of Ms Katie Heffelfinger to the post of Lecturer in Biblical Studies and Hermeneutics at the Institute. Ms Heffelfinger will take up her post from March 2009.

Ms Heffelfinger comes to the Institute from the USA, where she has taught at both the Candler and McAfee Schools of Theology in Atlanta, Georgia. She holds degrees from Anderson University, Asbury Theological Seminary and Princeton Theological Seminary; and is completing a PhD on specific aspects of Second Isaiah at Emory University. In addition to her academic specialisms, Ms Heffelfinger has been active in a United Methodist Church congregation in Atlanta.

The Bishop of Clogher, the Right Revd Dr Michael Jackson, said: ‘I am very pleased that Ms Heffelfinger has been appointed to the teaching staff the Church of Ireland Theological Institute. Katie has a great deal to contribute to the theological training for lay people and clergy for the future across the church.’

The Revd Dr Maurice Elliott, Director of the CITI said: ‘I am delighted to welcome Ms Katie Heffelfinger to our staff team. A clear understanding of the Bible and the history of its interpretation allied to an aptitude for applying it to both ministry and mission is of critical importance to the new process in training. Out of her own academic background and church experience I believe that Katie will bring much enrichment to all our students.’