Emmanuel College of Victoria University in the University of Toronto

Emmanuel College is proud to celebrate alumnus Rev. Jeffrey Dale, writer and director of Crucified Woman, premiering at the 2026 Toronto Fringe Festival.

Inspired by the remarkable story of Crucified Woman, the iconic sculpture by Almuth Lutkenhaus-Lackey that now resides at Emmanuel College, this powerful new play explores faith, artistic expression, censorship, and the ongoing struggle for justice.

The production weaves together the history of the sculpture and the story of acclaimed Canadian author Margaret Laurence, who famously said that viewing Crucified Woman helped her believe in God. As Laurence defended her own work against censorship, the sculpture itself sparked passionate public debate—creating two parallel stories that continue to resonate today.

📍 College Street United Church, Toronto
📅 July 1–4 & July 6–11, 2026
🕗 8:00 p.m.

Featuring performers from across the GTA, Crucified Woman invites audiences into a compelling conversation about faith, freedom, and the power of art to challenge and transform.

Congratulations to Jeffrey Dale and the entire creative team on this exciting production!

🎟️ Tickets: https://fringetoronto.com/fringe/show/crucified-woman

Last week, the Emmanuel College staff team gathered for a retreat at Wutai Shan Buddhist Garden, a place with which we are grateful to share a meaningful relationship.

We were warmly welcomed by Venerable Dayi and the temple community, who graciously hosted us for the day. Staff enjoyed a guided tour of the beautiful grounds, an exceptional vegetarian lunch, and dedicated space for reflection, planning, and collaboration.

The retreat provided an opportunity to step away from our daily routines to vision together, set goals for the coming year, and deepen our shared commitment to Emmanuel’s mission of multi-faith theological education and community engagement.

We are deeply thankful for the hospitality, generosity, and friendship of the Wutai Shan community, and for the opportunity to learn from and alongside one another in such a peaceful and inspiring setting.

If you’re looking for a peaceful destination for reflection, learning, or simply a beautiful day trip, the temple grounds are open to visitors and well worth a visit. We encourage you to check it out and experience this remarkable place for yourself!

Emmanuel College PhD alum Christopher B. Zeichmann was recently featured on CBC’s acclaimed radio program and podcast Ideas, discussing his new book, Radical Antiquity: Free Love Zoroastrians, Farming Pirates, and Ancient Uprisings. In conversation with host Nahlah Ayed, Zeichmann explores often-overlooked stories of resistance, democracy, and alternative forms of social organization in the ancient Graeco-Roman world.

Drawing attention to communities that challenged hierarchy and state power, Radical Antiquity offers a fresh perspective on the ancient world and the possibilities of collective life.

Congratulations to Christopher on this national recognition of his scholarship!

Listen to the interview: CBC Ideas episode https://www.cbc.ca/listen/live-radio/1-23-ideas/clip/16216065-radical-antiquity-christopher-zeichmann

Emmanuel College was well represented at the annual meeting of the Canadian Theological Society!

Prof. Natalie Wigg-Stevenson joined three Emmanuel doctoral students for a panel exploring “The Production of Theological Knowledge: Ethnographic Theology and the Disruption of Traditional Knowledge Hierarchies.”

The panel featured:
• Kristen Blair on Reflexivity
• Allison Moore on Representation
• Mike MacKenzie on Normativity

Prof. Wigg-Stevenson introduced and moderated the discussion, which examined how ethnographic approaches can challenge and reshape traditional assumptions about theological knowledge and authority.

Interested in exploring these questions further? TST doctoral students may want to consider Prof. Wigg-Stevenson’s doctoral seminar, “Ethnographic Approaches to Theology,” being offered this fall.

📸 Pictured: Members of the Toronto School of Theology community attending the Canadian Theological Society conference.

Congratulations, James!!

Congratulations to James Ravenscroft, an Emmanuel College Doctor of Ministry student, for receiving a Board of Trustees bursary from the Estate of Charles Gundy Fund! This bursary recognizes academic excellence in TST’s DMin program.

See more scholarship, bursary and award recipients for 2026 on the TST website: https://bit.ly/4n9IDfj

Emmanuel College of Victoria University in the University of Toronto

We are thrilled to celebrate Emmanuel College PhD student Brigid Maya Douglas on being named one of the Forum for Theological Exploration 2026 Doctoral Fellows!

FTE’s Doctoral Fellowship recognizes emerging scholars whose work reflects the depth, promise, and diversity of theological education today. Through this highly competitive fellowship, FTE is investing in the next generation of theological educators and scholars by providing mentorship, community, encouragement, and financial support for doctoral formation.

As part of the 2026 cohort, Brigid joins a remarkable group of scholars committed to meaningful research, transformative leadership, and service to both church and academy. We are proud to see her gifts, scholarship, and vocation recognized in this way.

Please join us in congratulating Brigid Maya on this outstanding achievement!

What a meaningful day of connection, reflection, and celebration at Emmanuel College Alumni Day 2026.

From engaging workshops and multi-faith meditation to shared meals and inspiring conversations, it was a joy to welcome alumni and friends of the Emmanuel community together once again.

We were especially honoured to celebrate our 2025 Distinguished Alumni recipient, The Rev. Dr. John Pentland Emm 8T7, alongside our 2025 Service Award recipients: The Rev. Dr. Nancy Hardy Emm 6T8, 8T7 and 1T2, Adam Kilner Emm 1T0, and Rose Mina Munjee Emm 2T2. Thank you for your faithful leadership, service, and contributions to our communities.

Thank you to everyone who joined us and helped make the day so special. We are grateful for the ongoing spirit of learning, care, and connection that continues to shape the Emmanuel community.

Congratulations Zubeyde!

Congratulations to Zubeyde Kocyigit, a Master of Pastoral Studies (MPS) student at Emmanuel College, for receiving the Board of Trustees Donald Cameron Memorial Award for 2026!

This award honours the memory of Donald Cameron, who served TST in a number of capacities over many years including Chair of the Board of Trustees. Donald had a deep commitment to the wider community beyond the Church, and this award recognizes activities by a student that engage the wider community.

See more scholarship, bursary and award recipients for 2026 on the TST website: https://bit.ly/4n9IDfj

Emmanuel College of Victoria University in the University of Toronto

Congratulations Eunjung!!

Congratulations to Eunjung Shin, a Doctor of Ministry (DMin) student at Emmanuel College, for receiving a Board of Trustees Margaret E. Fleck Scholarship for 2026-27!

This scholarship is awarded for academic excellence and was established in 2006 by the TST Board of Trustees in honour of the Reverend Margaret E. Fleck. The late Rev. Fleck was an Anglican priest and divinity graduate of Trinity College, and former member of the TST Board of Trustees. The award is funded by a gift from the Ralph M. Barford Foundation along with matching funds from the Ontario Trust for Student Support (OTSS).

See more scholarship, bursary and award recipients for 2026 on the TST website: https://bit.ly/4n9IDfj

Emmanuel College of Victoria University in the University of Toronto

Celebrating a joyful milestone in ministry 🎉

Congratulations to Emmanuel College graduates Rev. Matthew Coulthard and Rev. Mark Sturman on their ordination in Belleville, Ontario, through the East Central Ontario Regional Council.

We give thanks for your leadership, your call, and your commitment to faithful, compassionate ministry. The church is stronger because of you—may your journeys ahead be filled with courage, wisdom, and grace.