St Mary’s University Hosts Annual Theology Essay Competition

The Institute of Theology and Liberal Arts at St Mary’s University, Twickenham is delighted to announce the launch of its 2021 essay writing competition.

The annual competition, which is open to all Year 12 pupils at schools across England and Wales, is now in its third year and is more popular than ever. This year entrants are asked to write an essay on the subject ‘The Bible is the supreme authority for Christians.’ Discuss. This year’s winner will receive a £250 cash prize, with five honourable mention £20 book voucher prizes available for the runners-up.

The 2020 edition of the competition saw strong competition as entrants tackled the difficult subject ‘Euthanasia is wrong.’ Discuss, which St Mary’s Chancellor Cardinal Vincent Nichols noted in his video address at the award ceremony was a particularly challenging and spoke to the nature of human suffering. Last year’s winner was Imogen from The London Oratory School in Chelsea, London, who was joined by five honourable mentions from schools across England and Wales.

Pupils who would like to enter this year’s competition can do so on the St Mary’s Website.

Speaking of the contest, St Mary’s Director the Institute of Theology and Liberal Arts Dr Jacob Phillips said, “We’re looking to reading this year’s entries, and I’d like to wish everyone taking part the best of luck. Every year myself and my fellow panellists have the pleasure of reading the thoughtful and creative essays submitted by students from across England and Wales, and I’m sure this year will be no different.”

The Institute of Theology and Liberal Arts at St Mary’s is home to a number of distinguished academics who teach on its diverse range of undergraduate and postgraduate degree programmes. The Institute is also home to several research centres, which regularly publish research and host conferences on history, theology, Catholic education, and contemporary religious life.