Vatican celebration bestows accolade on Durham scholar of theology
Professor Anna Rowlands, a renowned theologian specializing in theology related to agency and social justice, has been honored with an Expanded Reason award at the Vatican. The awards, established to support a broad and open vision of reason in the search for truth and answers to fundamental questions about humanity and its destiny, recognize university professors and researchers whose work exemplifies expanded reason.
Rowlands' award-winning research focuses on issues related to autonomy in theology and the role of agency within social justice from a theological perspective. Her work, as indicated by her co-authorship on the 2025 book Redeeming Autonomy: Theology, Agency, Social Justice, suggests an engagement with how individual freedom and responsibility intersect with faith and societal structures.
The honor was bestowed by The Joseph Ratzinger-Benedict XVI Vatican Foundation and the Expanded Reason Institute at The Francisco de Vitoria University. The ceremony took place at the Vatican, marking a significant milestone in Rowlands' illustrious career.
In addition to her research, Rowlands is currently on a two-year secondment with the General Secretariat of the Synod and the Dicastery for Integral Human Development of the Holy See. Although specific information about her participation or leadership in the Global Synod process was not found in the current data, it is known that she is supporting the core research work of the Holy See department on matters of politics, economics, climate, and migration.
The Synod process, initiated by Pope Francis, is a major consultative and participatory event within the Catholic Church. It encompasses a global scope, reaching out to various regions, and is focused on renewing the Catholic Church's processes of participation, governance, and mission. The process is not limited to religious matters but also addresses politics, economics, climate, and migration.
Rowlands' book "Towards a Politics of Communion: Catholic Social Teaching in Dark Times" was a significant contribution to her award. This work underscores her commitment to fostering communion and understanding in challenging times, aligning with the goals of the Synod process and the Expanded Reason awards.
Durham University's Department of Theology and Religion, where Professor Rowlands is based, is ranked 6 globally in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2023, further testifying to her academic prowess.
The Expanded Reason awards are associated with The Francisco de Vitoria University and are part of a desire to uphold the late Pope Benedict XVI's vision for reason and truth. The awards were established to support a broad and open vision of reason in the search for truth and answers to fundamental questions about humanity and its destiny.
Education and self-development are evident in Professor Anna Rowlands' focus on autonomy in theology and the role of agency within social justice, as demonstrated by her research, co-authorship on the book Redeeming Autonomy: Theology, Agency, Social Justice, and ongoing work supporting the core research work of the Holy See department on matters of politics, economics, climate, and migration. Additionally, Rowlands' commitment to fostering communion and understanding, shown in her book "Towards a Politics of Communion: Catholic Social Teaching in Dark Times," aligns with the goals of the Synod process and the Expanded Reason awards, which strive to promote a broad and open vision of reason in the search for truth and answers to fundamental questions about humanity and its destiny.
