Chris Baker

Professor Chris Baker joined the William Temple Foundation in 2001 as Development Officer, before becoming Director of Research in 2003. He completed his doctorate on religion in English New Towns at the University of Manchester in 2002, where he taught urban and public theology until 2009. Chris holds the post of William Temple Professor of Religion, Belief and Public Life at Goldsmiths, University of London.

Chris has researched and published widely on the role and contribution of faith to urban and public life, including over 40 articles and book chapters and 11 books. Recent publications include Theology for Changing Times: John Atherton and the Future of Public Theology (SCM 2018); Re-imagining Religion and Belief for 21st Century Policy and Practice (Policy Press 2019) and Postsecular Geographies: Re-envisioning politics, subjectivity and ethics (Routledge 2019). His current research, commissioned by the UK Parliament, analyses the impact of partnership working developed between local authorities and faith groups during the COVID 19 pandemic on policy practice and changing attitudes towards inclusion and diversity.

He provides regular training and consultation events based on his research across the UK, Europe and Australia. Chris is passionate about cinema, live music and Charlton Athletic Football Club. Follow Chris on Twitter — @DrChrisRBaker