Theos (think tank)

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Theos is a Christian think tank based in Westminster, London. Founded in 2006, it studies how religion, politics and society relate to each other today. Theos aims to influence public discussion about faith through research, publications, media engagement, podcasts, animated videos and events like debates and lectures. It is ecumenical and works with people from different faiths and non-religious groups.

The think tank was launched in November 2006 with support from the Archbishop of Canterbury, Rowan Williams, and the Roman Catholic Archbishop of Westminster, Cardinal Cormac Murphy-O’Connor. Its first director was Paul Woolley. Since 2011-2012, Elizabeth Oldfield led Theos, broadening its network and starting two podcasts, The Sacred and Reading Our Times. Chine McDonald has been the director since January 2022.

Theos believes religion plays a significant role in public life and that Christianity has helped shape British and Western politics. It argues that faith should have space to contribute to public life. Its first report, “Doing God: A Future for Faith in the Public Space,” urged a reassessment of faith’s importance in society.

Key projects have looked at how beliefs about evolution intersect with faith (Rescuing Darwin) and the role of religion in modern London (Religious London: Faith in a Global City, 2020). Theos also produced books and reports such as The Nones and A Torn Safety Net (with the Church Urban Fund).

Public-facing work includes two ongoing podcasts, The Sacred and Reading Our Times, which feature a wide range of guests from scholars to public figures. The organization has been cited in major media and is known for promoting thoughtful, non-polarized conversations about faith and society.

Funding comes largely from the British and Foreign Bible Society, with additional support from charitable trusts. Theos does not receive government or corporate funding for its research, though it sometimes conducts commissioned work. Its Annual Lecture is sponsored by CCLA.

Controversies include criticisms by A. C. Grayling in 2013, who argued Theos was conservative and lacked transparency in funding. Theos continues to publish research, host events, and engage in public debate about how faith shapes public life.