Introducing our new Urban Churches’ Theologians

We are pleased to announce the appointment of Jessie Fubara-Manuel and Theo Poward as Leeds Church Institute’s new Urban Churches’ Theologians.

They will be starting their new roles at LCI over the next few months, journeying with Leeds churches to resource their work towards a just city.

Revd Dr Jessie Ini Fubara-Manuel

Jessie is an ordained minister, researcher, author, and advocate for gender justice and disability, whose work brings together pastoral ministry, theological research, and public engagement.

As an Urban Churches’ Theologian, she is committed to nurturing a just, inclusive, and equitable society where all can flourish. Having grown up in Nigeria, studied and worked in Scotland, and engaged with communities across the United Kingdom, she brings a deep appreciation of diversity, intercultural relationships, and interreligious dialogue. She looks forward to bringing people together through welcoming spaces where churches can reflect, learn, and grow together in faith and witness.

Dr Theo Poward

Theo was raised across the North of England, moving around thanks to the unique experience of being a vicar’s son. He studied in Scotland and then Taiwan before returning to Scotland for his doctorate.

Throughout this time, he kept busy with teaching, volunteering, and more recently childcare. Theo completed his doctorate in 2025 on the intersection of political theory and mystical theology. His work commends a contextual approach to theology that is informed by the richness of both theological tradition and contemporary political theory. The work of an Urban Churches’ Theologian brings together everything that Theo is passionate about, and he is eager to get to work alongside local churches in Leeds.