Speakers – 2025/2026

Professor David F. Ford OBE

David F. Ford OBE is Regius Professor of Divinity Emeritus in the University of Cambridge and a Fellow of Selwyn College.

Alongside continuing work on Christian theology and on inter-faith relations, Professor Ford’s current research includes work on: the Gospel of John; glorification; theology, modernity and the arts; Scriptural Reasoning; contemporary worldviews; and education in schools and universities. In 2021 Baker Academic published The Gospel of John: A Theological Commentary.

David was born in Dublin and is an Irish citizen. He read Classics at Trinity College Dublin, and then Theology and Religious Studies in Cambridge, Yale, and Tübingen. Prior to taking up his post in Cambridge he taught in the University of Birmingham (1976-1991), where he lived in the inner city and engaged in local church and community life and in urban theology.

Canon Guy Donegon-Cross

Guy is currently Enabler of Learning for Discipleship and Mission for Church of England Birmingham, where he has responsibility for resourcing a culture of discipleship across a hugely diverse area. He has engaged in parish ministry in four different contexts, most recently leading St Mark’s, Harrogate. He is chair of the Simeon’s patronage trust, with responsibility for the patronage of 180 livings across England. He is passionate about discipleship, the relationship between charismatic and contemplative spirituality, and political and environmental concerns. He loves amateur dramatics, improvisation, live music, novels, walking, jazz, and his Norfolk Terrier Bess.

He has published two books on Discipleship in 2025, “Discipleship: Start this Way” and “Discipleship: Walk this Way”, both available to order now at brfonline.org.uk/guy-donegan-cross.

Revd Prebendary Dr Isabelle Hamley

Isabelle is Principal of Ridley Hall, a role that combines her passion for Christian formation for the whole people of God, her love of Scripture and commitment to nurturing Christian community.

Isabelle leads the College in collaboration with a fantastic team of tutors, chaplains, support staff and trustees, with a vision for lay and ordained ministry for the challenges of the 21st century.

Isabelle’s first love is Scripture, and the Old Testament in particular. She has written extensively about the book of Judges, and around questions of justice, violence and otherness. She is now writing a commentary on the book of Ruth.

Her other strand of work has been around theological anthropology, what it means to be human, and she has focused in particular on questions of spirituality, scripture and mental health.

As well as academic work, she loves writing to make Scripture accessible and inspiring in everyday life, and writes regularly for BRF, LICC and Church House Publishing.

Isabelle is a regular public speaker at various events, and a contributor to Radio 4’s Thought for the Day and the Daily Service.

Revd Dr Janet Williams

Janet studied Classics and Philosophy at Oxford University before competing a Masters Degree in Patristic Theology at Oxford, and a PhD in Religious Studies with the University of Winchester. A stint in investment banking in London and Tokyo was followed by a career in education, teaching Religious Studies, Theology, Classics, and Philosophy at universities and colleges in Japan and the UK. Ordained in Gloucester in 2009, she served as a Minister in Secular Employment before taking up leadership of the West of England Ministry Training Course in 2012. She joined St Hild theological college as Vice Principal in summer 2018 and lives in Mirfield.