Sandra Beardsall

Back

Education/Degrees:

  • Doctor of Theology, Emmanuel College, Toronto, 1996
  • Thesis Title: “Methodist Religious Practices in Outport Newfoundland” .
  • Master of Divinity, Emmanuel College, Toronto, 1985 (Gold Medal Recipient)
  • Bachelor of Arts, Innis College, University of Toronto , 1981

Biography:

Sandra was raised in Brampton, Ontario. She was a ministry candidate from Grace United Church, ordained in 1985. She served rural congregations in Newfoundland and Labrador and Eastern Ontario before her appointment as Professor of Church History and Ecumenics at St. Andrew’s College in 1997. She lives in Saskatoon with her spouse, the Rev. Dr. Bill Richards, Professor Emeritus of Early Christian Language and Literature of the College of Emmanuel and St. Chad. She enjoys ongoing volunteer work, especially ecumenical engagement, and is a Voluntary Associate Minister at Grace-Westminster United Church, Saskatoon.

Research Interests:

Sandra’s research and writing seeks to bring together historical, pastoral, and ecumenical concerns in the service of ministry, ecclesiology, and the search for Christian unity.

Selected Recent Publication Work:

  • “Living the Apostolic Faith Together Today,” Ecumenical Review 75:2 (April 2023), 172-184.
  • “The History of Christianity: The Early, Medieval and Early Modern Periods,” and “Christianity in Canada and Abroad from the 18th to Early 20th Centuries.” Chapters in Building God’s Beloved Community: Discipleship in the United Church of Canada, ed. Taylor Croissant (Toronto: United Church Publishing House,” 2022.
  • “‘Not Alone in this Struggle for Justice:’ Project North and the United Church of Canada, 1975-87.” Chapter in Honourable Reconciliation: Church Commitments to Reconciliation and the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, ed. Don Schweitzer and Paul L. Gareau (Regina, SK: University of Regina Press, 2021), 101-129.
  • “A Process of Pilgrimage: Introducing the New Faith and Order Papers: ‘Love and Witness’ and ‘Cultivate and Care,’” Ecumenical Trends 50:2 (March/April 2021), 24-27.
  • “Sin and Redemption in the United Church of Canada.” Chapter in The Theology of the United Church of Canada, ed. Don Schweitzer, Robert C. Fennell, Michael Bourgeois (Wilfrid Laurier U. Press, 2019).
  • “Sin and Redemption in the United Church of Canada.” Chapter in The Theology of the United Church of Canada, ed. Don Schweitzer, Robert C. Fennell, Michael Bourgeois (Wilfrid Laurier U. Press, 2019).
  • Daring to Share: Multi-Denominational Congregations in the United States and Canada (Eugene, OR: Wipf & Stock, 2018). Coauthored with M.J. Budde and William P. McDonald.
  • “The Baptist Legacy of Tommy Douglas.” Chapter in Baptists and Public Life in Canada, ed. Gordon Heath & Paul Wilson (Eugene, OR.: Wipf & Stock, 2012).
  • “Medicare Crisis and Faith Crisis: The United Church of Canada the 1962 Saskatchewan Doctors’ Strike.” Historical Papers: Canadian Society of Church History (2007): 5-16.

Work Experience:

  • Professor of Church History and Ecumenics, St. Andrew’s College, Saskatoon (1997-2021)
  • Ecumenical Theologian in Residence, School of Theology and Ministry, Seattle, Washington USA (Jan-Apr 2003)
  • Minister, St. Mark’s Shared Ministry (Anglican/United), Churchill Falls, Labrador (1992-94)
  • Course Instructor & Teaching Assistant, Emmanuel College, Toronto School of Theology, University of Toronto (1989-91)
  • Minister, Red Bay-Forteau Pastoral Charge, Labrador (1985-88)

Professional Distinctions/Service to Church and Academy

  • Commission on Faith and Order of the World Council of Churches (Member & Study Group Moderator, 2014-Present)
  • Reformed – Mennonite International Dialogue (Member, 2022-Present)
  • Touchstone Journal of Heritage and Theology – Editorial Board (Board Chair, 2022-Present; “Profiles” Editor, 2010-Present; Member 2000-Present).
  • Anglican/United Church of Canada Bilateral Dialogue (Co-chair 2017-20; Member 2012-16)
  • North American Academy of Ecumenists (Member 1999-Present; Board Secretary 2008-18)
  • More Voices Hymn Book Supplement, Project Team Co-Chair – United Church of Canada committee which prepared a denominational hymn book supplement (2005-2007)
  • Canadian Society of Church History (Member 1997-Present; President 1999-2000)
  • Roman Catholic/United Church of Canada Bilateral Dialogue (1996-2003)
  • Interchurch/Interfaith Committee, United Church of Canada (1988-92)
Back