Dr Chris McDermott

Post:	Research Associate (International Relations)
Location:	MEETING HOUSE MH-001
Email:	C.McDermott@sussex.ac.uk

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Biography

My research focuses on the experience of dual religious belonging, particularly the claim to be simultaneously Buddhist and Christian. My dissertatiion examining this experience through lens of Gillian Rose's speculative philosophy is entitled: Gillian Rose and the Question of Dual Religious Belonging: On the Difficulty of Being a Buddhist and a Christisan. See also my article Aporetic Belonging: Thinking the Experience of Budhhist-Christian Practice with Gillian Rose in the journal Buddhist-Christian Studies, University of Hawaii Press, (Vol 44,2024) pp. 203-216

I  lived and worked in the USA, Zimbabwe, South Africa and the UK,  teaching in Theological training schools (Harare, 1976-78) and Pretoria and Durban (1980-83)  and serving in local churches (Aliquippa, PA 1978-1979) and in east London parishes (Beckton (1990-95) Ilfiord (1995-1999). I came to Brighton to assume the role of Lead Chaplain and Faith Advisor. (2014-2022). I retired in order to concentrate on completing my Ph.D. (University of Sussex, 2025). I hold a BA in Biblical Studies (Southeastern University, Fl. USA, 1984), an MA in Intercultiural Studies (Wheaton College, Il. USA, 1986) and an MA in Philosophy and Religion (Heythrop College, University of London, 2006)

I am a ADRg trained workplace mediator and for several years (1988-2012) lived and worked in east London doing community mediation work and training young people, via the Newham based Charity 'Conflict and Change'  in non-violent conflict resolution and de-esecalation skills. This included training for  16-25 year olds as peer peace builders and facilitators in partnership with the International Peace Education organisatoin, Peace Direct, while also providing training for the professionals who work with them in local schools and youth clubs. Sadly Conflict and Change, where I worked as Children and Young People's Team Leader, closed down in 2014.

I am also a Church of England priest currently supporting the parish of St. Nicholas of Myra, Brighton and as an honorary assistant priest. 

Role

Assciate Researcher with the Office for Religion and Foreign Policy Intiatives, Global Studies and an Affiliate of the School for Progressive Futures