Esther McIntosh

Dr. Esther McIntosh is Professor of Feminist Theology and Ethics at York St John University, where she serves as Director of the Centre for Religion in Society. She holds a BD(Hons) and PhD in philosophy and theology from the University of Aberdeen. Her research spans feminist theology, public theology, ethics, and the intersection of religion with contemporary social issues including gender justice, trauma theology, and LGBTQ+ inclusion in higher education.

Professor McIntosh's scholarship critically examines power structures in religious contexts, with recent work focusing on theological responses to genocide, safe space creation in Anglican universities, and the persistence of patriarchal systems within Christian institutions. Her methodological approach integrates feminist theory, ethics, and philosophy of religion to address urgent social justice concerns including right-wing populism, online misogyny, and trans inclusion in educational settings.

She teaches feminist theology, ethics, and philosophy of religion while supervising postgraduate research in philosophical theology, gender, sexuality, and intersectional feminist ethics. As convener of the Ebor Lecture Series and editor for the International Journal of Public Theology, she facilitates scholarly dialogue on religion's role in public life.