The Revd Professor John Bainbridge Webster, DD, FRSE 1955-2016

The Revd Professor John Bainbridge Webster, DD, FRSE 1955-2016

It was with enormous sadness that the School learned of the sudden death on Wednesday 25 May of our friend and colleague John Webster, Professor of Divinity.

John was amongst the leading English-language theologians of his generation. Twelve monographs, four major edited volumes, and a host of shorter publications would have established his reputation on their own; when his extensive service to his discipline and the wider academy—founding the International Journal of Systematic Theology; serving on many editorial boards; membership of peer review colleges and learned societies—is added in, the true magnitude of his contribution can begin to be seen.

John’s academic career began at St John’s College, Durham (1982-1986), then continued in Canada, at Wycliffe College, Toronto (1986-1996). His eminence was recognised in 1996 when he was appointed Lady Margaret Professor of Divinity in the University of Oxford, a post he held until moving to the University of Aberdeen as Professor of Systematic Theology in 2003. He took his chair here in St Andrews in 2013.

We remember John as a warm and generous colleague, whose penetrating intellect was combined with a down-to-earth attitude, a ready sense of humour, and a deep Christian faith. Our thoughts and prayers are with his widow and family at this time.

A service of thanksgiving for John's life will be held in due course. Anyone wishing information is invited to contact the School.