Hueston Finlay is an Irish Anglican priest and academic, specialising in systematic theology. Since January 2026, he currently serves as the Dean of King's College, Cambridge.[1] He is also an Honorary Research Fellow at the University of Aberdeen.[1][2]
Hueston Finlay | |
|---|---|
| Dean of King's College, Cambridge | |
| In office | 26 January 2026 - present |
| Predecessor | Stephen Cherry |
| Orders | |
| Ordination | Deacon (1989) Priest (1990) |
| Personal details | |
| Born | |
| Denomination | Anglicanism |
| Alma mater | Open University King's College, London Trinity College, Dublin |
Previously, he was Dean of Magdalene College Cambridge and subsequently vice-dean of St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle (2004–2025) and Warden of St George's House (2008–2025).[2]
Early life and education
editFinlay was born and brought up in Portlaoise.[3]
Finlay was educated at Wesley College Dublin and began his further education at Trinity College, Dublin, graduating with an Engineering degree (B.A.; B.A.I.) in 1985. His theological studies began with a Bachelor of Theology (BTh) degree in 1989 - also at Trinity College - followed by a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) at King's College, London in 1998.[4]. He also holds a M.Sc. in mathematics from the Open University.
Most recently Finlay read Pure Mathematics through the Open University, graduating with a Master of Science (MSc) in 2016.[4][5]
In the field of theology Finlay studies Schleiermacher and Barth with particular reference to the former. He is interested in Barth as a natural inheritor of Schleiermacher, rather than a direct opponent. He is currently working on Irish mathematicians/physicists who have expressed significant theological views.
Ecclesiastical career
editFinlay has held roles in Kilkenny, Cambridge and Windsor.[2][6]
- Curate, St Canice's Cathedral, Kilkenny (1989–1992) - bishop's vicar, diocesan librarian and registrar, teaching theology and lecturing on ethics and doctrine for the diocesan adult education program.[2]
- Curate, University Church, Cambridge and Chaplain, Girton College, Cambridge (1992–1995).
- Dean of Chapel and Director of Studies in Theology, Magdalene College, Cambridge (1995–2004).
- Canon (2004–2025) and Vice-Dean (2014–2025), St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle.
- Warden, St George's House (2008–2025).
Selected works
edit- ‘Feeling of absolute dependence’ or ‘absolute feeling of dependence’? A question revisited (2005).[7]
References
edit- 1 2 "New Dean of Chapel appointed | King's College Cambridge". www.kings.cam.ac.uk. Retrieved 2026-03-29.
- 1 2 3 4 "St George's House :: Elson Ethics Lecture". St George's House. Retrieved 2026-03-29.
- ↑ "Appointments at St Patrick's, Dublin | Church News Ireland". Retrieved 2026-03-29.
- 1 2 "The Reverend Canon Dr Hueston Finlay". diagacht.bfren.dev. Retrieved 2026-03-29.
- ↑ "Hueston Finlay | King's College Cambridge". www.kings.cam.ac.uk. Retrieved 2026-03-29.
- ↑ migrate (2017-04-17). "Vice-Dean Of The College Of St. George To Speak At Shenandoah University On April 27". Shenandoah University. Retrieved 2026-03-29.
- ↑ Finlay, Hueston E. (March 2005). "'Feeling of absolute dependence' or 'absolute feeling of dependence'? A question revisited". Religious Studies. 41 (1): 81–94. doi:10.1017/S0034412504007462. ISSN 1469-901X.