Katie Cross

Summary

Katie Cross is a Lecturer in Practical Theology at the University of Aberdeen's School of Divinity, History, Philosophy & Art History. Her work focuses on intersections between theology, trauma, and post-church communities. She co-edited key texts like Feminist Trauma Theologies (2020) and Bearing Witness (2022), and authored The Sunday Assembly and Theologies of Suffering (2020). Her research explores marginalized faith expressions and trauma-informed theological practices, including studies on church-leaving Christians and collaborations with Prof. John Swinton on trauma and hope. She teaches courses on trauma, gender/sexuality, and reconciliation. Supervising 18 PhD students, her work bridges academic theology with lived experience. Notable affiliations include editorial roles for Practical Theology Hub and the Theology in Scotland journal. She completed the Aurora leadership program (2024) focused on women in higher education.

Education

• PhD in Theology
• Master of Theology (MTh)
• MA (Hons) in Divinity

Research Interests

Her work emphasizes trauma theology, feminist methodologies, and practical responses to suffering. She investigates secular spirituality (e.g., the Sunday Assembly), church disengagement trends, and trauma-informed pedagogy. Recent projects include qualitative studies on post-church communities and collaborative trauma pedagogy frameworks with international colleagues.

Distinctions

• Aurora Leadership Development Fellow, Advance HE (2024)

Teaching

Undergraduate modules include:

• DR302V/DR402V: Trauma, Suffering, and Healing
• DR151W/DR251W: God, Sexualities, and Identity
• DR353N/DR453N: Theology in a Divided World

Public Engagement

Active in media discussions on trauma theology and secular spirituality through podcasts, op-eds, and webinars. Regular contributor to platforms like Church Times and The Conversation.