Ben Ryan joins MPA as the new Home Affairs Policy Adviser and Project Manager.  In this role, he will lead on ethics and public policy in fields including criminal justice, immigration, drug and alcohol policy. He will also work on projects designed to help dioceses and parishes respond to the needs of their local communities in these, and similar, areas of concern.

Ben joins us from the well-known Theos think tank where he has been working since 2014, latterly as Head of Research.

Ben said: “I'm thrilled to be able to take on this role. I think we are witnessing a pivotal moment when the task of informing home affairs policy with ethical and theological reflection is more important than ever. I look forward to being able to contribute to the work of MPA as they undertake this critical work."

The Revd Dr Malcolm Brown, Director of MPA, said: “We are delighted to welcome Ben into the team here at Church House. He comes with an impressive track record of research and publishing in the fields of theology, social analysis and the life of the church, which equips him superbly for the complex and critical role that he will be taking on.”

Siriol Davies takes up the role of Presence and Engagement National Coordinator. She will lead the national programme of work with parishes engaging with local inter religious relationships and contribute to the work of the Inter Religious Affairs team at Church House and Lambeth Palace. Siriol has been Inter Faith Adviser for the Diocese of Southwark, and Church/Mosque Twinning Lead Developer for the Christian Muslim Forum since 2015.

Siriol said: “I am excited to be joining the Mission & Public Affairs Team to work in an area I am passionate about. Our churches and chaplaincies are an amazing presence in local communities. I am looking forward to the opportunity to support our diverse churches who reflect God’s generous love in their relationships with neighbours of all faiths.”

The Revd Dr Richard Sudworth, National Inter Religious Affairs Adviser, said: “I’m delighted that Siriol will be joining us as National Programme Coordinator for Presence & Engagement. Siriol brings with her considerable experience working across faith communities in the Southwark diocese both at the level of grassroots leadership and in forming and resourcing Christians in their interreligious encounters and she will be a huge asset to the Mission and Public Affairs team.”

Ben and Siriol will be based at Church House and expect to take up their respective posts in early January 2020.