Dr KATIE CROSS

Biography

I am Christ’s College Lecturer in Practical Theology, and I teach and explore how theology intersects with personal and collective experience, particularly in relation to trauma and suffering. 

My research has focused on post-church communities and expressions of faith and belief that are often overlooked. My first book examined the Sunday Assembly—a "godless congregation"—through a theological lens, and I have co-edited two volumes on trauma theology (Feminist Trauma Theologies and Bearing Witness, both published by SCM Press). Currently, my research includes a qualitative study on church-leaving Christians, a co-written book on hope with my colleague Prof John Swinton, and a collaborative project on trauma pedagogy. 

I supervise and co-supervise PhD students whose topics include theologies of trauma, mental health, lived experiences of church, and post-church faith. I regularly teach undergraduate classes in theology on gender and sexuality, trauma and suffering, and division and reconciliation. I also teach for the University's Medical Humanities programme and for the School of Psychology.

Originally from the west coast of Scotland, I now live in Aberdeen with my partner and our two dachshunds.  When I’m not at work, I’m likely to be found on a dog walk, reading, spending time with friends, or on a quest for the city’s best coffee (right now it’s at Third Circle in Rosemount!)

Prizes and Awards

Students' Union and University of Aberdeen Excellence Awards 2025: "Most Inspiring" 

Research Overview

Currently, my research includes the following projects: 

• A qualitative study on the practices of church-leaving Christians. The research has included a survey with over 500 responses, 50 qualitative interviews, and a series of focus groups. It will be published as a monograph provisionally titled Theology Beyond Church. 
• A co-written book with my colleague Prof John Swinton, based on our 2024 Chalmers Lectures. It is provisionally titled Defiant Hope: Theological Conversations in a Traumatised World (forthcoming with SCM Press). The book will take the form of letters on issues of hope, trauma, attunement, and activism. 
• A collaborative resource exploring trauma-informed strategies for teaching and learning with colleagues from the US and Denmark.