New TMTC Director brings enthusiasm and vision

Dr. Kyle Gingerich Hiebert has been appointed Director of the Toronto Mennonite Theological Centre (TMTC), beginning July 4, 2017. 

Kyle is well equipped to engage and lead in the diverse aspects of TMTC.  He brings an enthusiasm for the conversation between Anabaptist-Mennonite theology and the wider Christian tradition.  He has good experience planning conferences, relating to students, networking among scholars, and speaking in churches.  He has a vision to deepen and extend the work of TMTC in Toronto and beyond.

Kyle holds a Ph.D. in theology from the University of Manchester, and degrees from the University of Nottingham, the University of Toronto, and Canadian Mennonite University.  During his studies in the UK, Kyle was active in the Anabaptist Network there, and has been a TMTC Postdoctoral Fellow for the past several years.  He is the author of several articles on political theology, peace theology, and Anabaptism, the co-author of the book God after Christendom? and author of the forthcoming book The Architectonics of Hope: Violence, Apocalyptic, and the Transformation of Political Theology.

As director, Kyle will have three main priorities.  First, he will advance Mennonite theological discourses in a variety of academic, church, and public settings.  The Toronto School of Theology (TST) remains very receptive to TMTC’s initiatives to hold events that critically engage issues of faith, society, and justice, from a variety of perspectives, including those of the peace church tradition.  Secondly, Kyle will foster and support a student-centred academic community, especially among Mennonite (and other) students at TST.  Thirdly, he will network among Mennonite scholars and institutions throughout North America and beyond.

Teaching and advising at the doctoral level will continue to be a priority for TMTC but will be the primary responsibility of the Theological Studies faculty at Conrad Grebel University College.  For example, Professor Jeremy Bergen will be offering a doctoral-level seminar on “Peace Church Theology” in Toronto, in Winter 2018.  TMTC Senior Fellow John Rempel continues to serve on several student committees.  Professor Carol Penner will serve on the dissertation examining committee of a TMTC-affiliated student at TST.