The Michael Ramsey Prize was inaugurated in 2005 to encourage the most promising contemporary theological writing and to identify it for a wider Christian readership.
The Prize commemorates Dr Ramsey, who was Archbishop of Canterbury 1961-1974, and his commitment to increasing the breadth of theological understanding among the Christian, and non-Christian, population at large.
The current Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, who presides over the Prize, said:
“It is absolutely vital that Christians engage thoughtfully, in a deep and robust manner, with scripture, doctrine and tradition. Theology isn’t just for a few clever people – thinking about who God is to us is what humans have done for thousands of years. It’s at the heart of who we are.
I pray we might be inspired afresh by the Spirit as we read, write and reflect on the boundless hope, mercy, justice and love of God in Jesus Christ. So – spread the word and get thinking, and let’s celebrate those writers who are challenging us in new ways to understand more about the boundless hope, mercy, justice, peace and love of God.”
Mark Oakley was the prize winner for the book ‘A Splash of Words’ in 2019, with winners from previous years including authors John Swinton, Luke Bretherton, David Bentley, Richard Bauckham, Timothy Radcliffe and N T Wright. Authors can be from any church tradition.
Nominations are now open, with the winner of the prize to be announced in December 2023. The winner will receive an award of £15,000, shortlisted authors are awarded £2,500 each.
Read the full nominations criteria and nominate your choice.
Closing date for nominations: 14 June 2023.