Al McFadyen

Dr. Al McFadyen is a Senior Lecturer at the University of Leeds, affiliated with the School of Philosophy, Religion and History of Science and the Department of Theology & Religious Studies. He holds roles as Deputy Director for Recruitment and Academic Integrity Lead in the school. Educated at the University of Birmingham (BA and PhD), his career spans over three decades, beginning at Leeds in 1988. His research bridges systematic theology with secular practices, focusing on vulnerable human conditions such as terrorism, domestic violence, and policing. He was awarded an MBE in 2014 for services to policing and community. A practicing Anglican, McFadyen intertwines theological scholarship with hands-on work as a part-time police officer, emphasizing the intersection of faith, academia, and public service.

Education:

• BA (Hons), University of Birmingham
• PhD, University of Birmingham

Research Interests: His work explores theological anthropology, sin, feminist theology, and public theology. Key themes include:
- Theological reflections on policing and enemy-love
- Coercive control and domestic abuse
- Terrorism, torture, and human dignity
- Theological responses to trauma and victimization
- The interplay between Christian doctrine and secular theories
He is completing a book on theological anthropology titled Seeking Humanity: Theological Anthropology in Interrogative Mood.

Publications Trends: His articles (2020–2021) emphasize policing ethics, trauma theology, and terrorism. Earlier work (2006–2016) addresses religious identity in policing and foundational theological anthropology.

Scientific Awards:

• MBE (2014) for services to policing and community

Grants & Advising:

• Supervises doctoral students in theology and public life
• Research focuses on institutional practices addressing human vulnerability

Labs & Teams: Affiliated with the Centre for Religion and Public Life, fostering interdisciplinary dialogue on faith, ethics, and society.