Professor Robert Beckford

In partnership with the Queen’s Foundation for Ecumenical Theological Education, a Service of Thanksgiving in recognition of the pioneering work of Professor Robert Beckford will take place at 6.00pm on Saturday 21 June at the New Life Wesleyan Church, Holyhead Road, Handsworth, Birmingham, B21 0LA.

2025 marks two milestones – The 60th birthday of scholar-activist and Professor of Black Theology Robert Beckford and the 60th year of the Race Relations Act in Britain. For more than 30 years, Robert Beckford has been a leading theologian dedicated to action-research attentive to Black experience and religions in Britain and the Black Atlantic. He became the first tutor in Black theology in Britain, starting at the Queen’s Foundation in the 1990s, and his work has significantly influenced the intersection of theology, ‘race’ and culture whilst promoting social justice. The service of Thanksgiving will be a blend of music, tributes, and homilies to celebrate the life and contribution of Professor Beckford, with dignitaries, scholars, students, tutors, creatives, church congregants and community agencies.

To attend the service in person at 6.00pm on Saturday 21 June, book your place using THIS LINK.

If you are not able to attend the service in person, but would like to receive a link to watch the livestream, request the link HERE.

For more information about this event, e-mail Dr Dulcie Dixon McKenzie, Director of the Centre for Black Theology at THIS ADDRESS.