Theos, the public theology think tank, has appointed a new Director.

Elizabeth Hunter, who joins Theos from The Church and Media Network and the BBC, will succeed Paul Woolley, founding Director, who left in January. She will take up the post later this year.

Ann Holt, Chair of the Theos Board said: “We were very impressed by the standard of the candidates applying for this post, but the interview panel was unanimous that Elizabeth was the strongest candidate.

“A combination of good media experience and an excellent grasp of what Theos is trying to achieve lifted her above the competition.”

Elizabeth Hunter commented: “I am thrilled to be joining Theos, and look forward to working with the team in delivering high quality, thought-provoking research and publications.

“This is an exciting moment for public theology. You only need look at the debates about the Census, or the role of faith groups in the ‘Big Society’, or the right balance between equality, religious liberty and human rights to see how the role of Christianity in public life is as central and urgent as it ever has been. Theos is ideally placed to inform and engage with these questions."