Reverend Dr. Andrew Teal, a chaplain, fellow and lecturer in theology at Pembroke College, Oxford University, will speak in a campus forum on Oct. 26.
According to Oxford University’s Faculty of Theology and Religion webpage, one of Teal’s main research areas is in theology and frontier spirituality, specifically dialogue with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Teal is an Anglican reverend who works to build friendly relationships between different religions.
“I commit myself as an Anglican and as somebody at Oxford to do everything I can to be part of the reconciliation of our communities, because it matters,” Teal said in a Maxwell Institute podcast.
When Elder Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles delivered lectures at Oxford University in 2018, he and Teal met and quickly became friends. 'He is simply, truly and affectionately one of the best friends I have,' Elder Holland said in a virtual conversation with Teal.
After the two met, Teal became more familiar with the Church. Elder Holland also invited him to speak at BYU and attend General Conference.
Teal accepted Elder Holland’s invitation and visited BYU in 2019, where he participated in the Maxwell Institute’s first Inspiring Learning Student Seminar. According to an article released by the Maxwell Institute, Teal’s experience with the Institute’s student researchers impacted him positively.
“The Institute seems to have created a community of proper conversation, informed by a spirit of reciprocity,” Teal said in the Maxwell Institute article. “Here we see students and scholars learning together, creating the beginnings of lifelong connections.”
After Teal’s initial visit to BYU, J. Spencer Fluhman, the Maxwell Institute’s executive director, invited Teal to become a visiting scholar for the Institute.
As a visiting scholar, Teal will work on an academic study of Joseph Smith as a Christian leader. Teal will also participate in various campus events, such as the forum address he will be delivering.
Teal’s forum address will be broadcast live on BYUtv, BYUtv.org, KBYU-TV 11, Classical 89 FM, BYU Radio 107.9 FM and SiriusXM 143.