Vidar Leif Haanes

Vidar Leif Haanes is a Professor of Church and Intellectual History and has served as Rector/President of MF Norwegian School of Theology, Religion and Society since 2005. He holds a Dr. theol. (1998) from MF Norwegian School of Theology and has held roles such as ordained pastor (1986), Visiting Scholar at Luther Seminary (2001), and Visiting Professor at Nankai University (1999).

His research focuses on intellectual history, Scandinavian church history, the Reformation, and Norwegian-American religious movements. He has authored over 400 books, articles, and interviews, with key works examining millennialism in Scandinavian immigrant communities, Lutheran-Jewish relations, and theological education.

Haanes has held leadership roles in national and international organizations, including President of Universities Norway (2015–2017), member of NordForsk’s board, and advisor to the Council of Europe. His contributions bridge academic theology with institutional leadership, emphasizing the role of religious institutions in societal development.