Harry Schnitker

Deacon Dr Harry Schnitker is a Senior Lecturer in Church History at St Mary’s University, serving as Programme Director of the Maryvale@StMary’s part-time, distance learning PhD and Director of the St John Henry Newman Research Centre. Previously, he taught at Edinburgh University, Glasgow University, and Maryvale Institute, alongside a long career in prison chaplaincy with the Scottish Prison Service. Born in the Netherlands, he resides in Aberdeen as a Permanent Deacon and Oblate of the Bridgittine Order.

His research focuses on Scottish Catholic history, women’s roles in Catholicism, African Catholicism, and interdisciplinary topics like art history and interfaith studies. He has supervised numerous PhD students exploring themes from medieval ecclesiastical structures to modern religious identity. His publications span monographs on Burgundian duchesses and chaplaincy practices, alongside articles in journals like New Diaconal Review.

Current research interests include inculturation in African Catholicism and the historical development of diaconal roles. He actively contributes to Catholic media, including Radio Maria and the Scottish Catholic Observer, and advises publishing houses on Church History content.