About Carmen Lansdowne, PhD

• 2016 Ph.D.  Interdisciplinary Studies, Graduate Theological Union
• 2011 Th.M. Theology, Vancouver School of Theology
• 2007 M.Div. Ministry, Vancouver School of Theology
• 2001 B.A. History, University of Victoria 

Refereed Monograph 

• Wearing a Broken Indigene Heart on the Sleeve of Christian Mission. Winnipeg, MB: Canadian Mennonite University Press, 2025 (Aug 1 Release).

Other Books:

• Provisional Title: Tracks in the Snow: A Memoir. Vancouver: Douglas & McIntyre, 2026 (in process).
   

Refereed Chapters

• ““It is a strict law that bids us dance”: Kwakwa̱ka̱ʼwakw and Haíɫzaqv Traditions Transforming Christianity by Receiving the ‘other’” Decolonizing Church, Theology, and Ethics in Canada. Néstor Medina and Becca Whitla, eds. Montreal: McGill/Queen’s University Press, under review by publisher – ETA 2025.
• “Indigenizing Religion & Science” Bloomsbury Religion in North America with Mary Keller, Jeanette Weaskus. Whitney Bauman and Lisa Stenmark, eds. London: Bloomsbury Publishing, 2021 (Online Resource); 2024 (Print Edition). 
• “Autoethnography That Breaks Your Heart, OR: What does an interdisciplinarian do when what she was hoping for simply isn’t there?” Mixed Blessings: Indigenous Encounters with Christianity in Canada.  Chelsea Horton and Tolly Bradford, eds. Vancouver: UBC Press, 2016.

Other Chapters

• “North American Indigenous Theology” Emerging Theologies from the Global South. Mitri Raheb and Mark A. Lamport, eds. Eugene, OR: Cascade Books, 2023.
• “ORiginAL Voices: Eradicating the ‘Fearful Asymmetry’ or power imbalance in Indigenous/Western thought in history and theology” Theology and the Crisis of Engagement: Essays on the Relationship of Theology and the Social Sciences. Nestor Medina and Jeff Nowers, eds. Eugene, OR: Pickwick Publications, 2013.
• Exodus 16” Unsettling the Word: Biblical Experiments in Decolonization, Steven Heinrichs, ed. Winnipeg, MB: Common Word, May 2018.
• “Spirituality that Stabs Salmon.” Quest for Respect: The Church and Indigenous Spirituality. Steven Heinrichs, ed. Winnipeg, MB: Common Word, June 2017.
• “To Resist Evil” Called to Be the Church: Intercultural Visions. Rob Fennel, ed. Toronto: United Church Publishing House, 2012.

Book Reviews

• Clinton N. Westman, Cree and Christian: Encounters & Transformations, University of Nebraska Press, 2022 (Missiology: An International Review, Forthcoming 2025)
• Stephen B. Bevans and Katalina Tahaafe-Williams, eds, Contextual Theology for the Twenty-First Century (Ecumenical Review, 2012, Volume 64, Issue 2, p. 223-224).
• Max Stackhouse, God and Globalization: Volume 4: Globalization and Grace (Theology for the 21st Century: God and Globalization) (Anglican Theological Review, Winter 2011, Volume 83, No. 1, p. 184-185).
• George E. Tinker, American Indian Liberation: A Theology of Sovereignty (Anglican Theological Review, Winter 2010, Volume 92, No. 1, p. 245).

Other Publications

• "Easter message" - Broadview Magazine, March/April 2025.
• "Christmas message: - Broadview Magazine, December 2024.
• "Easter message" - Broadview Magazine, March/April 2024.
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• “Christmas message” – Broadview Magazine, December 2023.
• “Easter message” – Broadview Magazine, March/April 2023. 
• “Christmas message” – Broadview Magazine, December 2022.
• “Wired for Solidarity” – Interventions, Wendland-Cook Program in Religion and Justice, Vanderbilt Divinity School, September 2022.
• “Love and advocacy in the Downtown Eastside” – Mandate Magazine, August 2019.
• “Why Canada Needs to Decriminalize Drugs” – Broadview Magazine, February 2019.
• Op-Ed " To Amazon or Not to Amazon? What Should We Question?" - Vancouver Sun, 9/20/2017
• “Thoughts and Reflections on the Theme: ‘God, in Your Grace, Transform the Earth,’” God, in your grace… Official Report of the Ninth Assembly of the World Council of Churches. Luis N. Rivera-Pagán, ed. (Geneva: WCC Publications, 2007).

SCHOLARSHIPS & AWARDS

2013   Newhall Research Award, Graduate Theological Union

2012   North American Doctoral Fellow, The Fund for Theological Education

2012   Newhall Teaching Fellowship, Graduate Theological Union

2011    North American Doctoral Fellow, The Fund for Theological Education

2011    W. Norman McLeod Scholarship, United Church of Canada

2011    Government of Canada Endowment Fund, Indspire Awards

2010   W. Norman McLeod Scholarship, United Church of Canada

2010   Indian and Northern Affairs Scholarship, Indspire Awards 

2009   Doctoral Fellowship, New Relationship Trust

2009   W. Norman McLeod Scholarship, United Church of Canada

2009   Government of Canada Endowment Fund, Indspire Awards

2009   Dean’s Award, Graduate Theological Union

2008   Dean’s Award, Graduate Theological Union

2008   Government of Canada Endowment Fund, Indspire Awards

2008   The Albert H. Morrison Bursary, Vancouver School of Theology

2007   The Rev. Dr. Francis and Mrs. Sarah Runnals Award in Church History, Vancouver 

           School of Theology

OTHER AWARDS & NOMINATIONS

2022   YWCA Metro Vancouver “Women of Distinction” Awards – Finalist (Charities & 

          Civil Service Category)

2021   Community Society Service Employer Association “BC Social Service Awards of 

          Excellence” – Nominee (Leader Category)

2027

• Keynote - Title TBD - "Hear Our Voice" 65th Anniversary of the National United Church Women, Ottawa ON, July 22.

2025

• Public Lecture - Title TBD.  Annual Luther Lecture,  Luther College at the University of Regina , September 29.

2024

• Theme Speaker - "When We Say Yes."  First Dawn Eastern Edge Regional Council Annual Meeting, St. John's NL, May 30-June 1.
• Theme Speaker - "Life Together."  Tri-Regional Southwestern Ontario Regional Councils Annual Meeting, Port Elgin ON, May 24-26.
• Theme Speaker - "Here I Am, Lord."  UCW Annual General Meeting, Pacific Mountain Region UCW, Port Coquitlam BC, April 27.
• Theme Speaker - "On this Rock"  Canadian Shield Regional Council, The United Church of Canada. Regional Meeting - Sault Ste. Marie ON, May 3-5.
• Theme Speaker - "Humble Boldness & Bold Humility"  75th Anniversary Weekend Festival of Faith, Highlands United Church, North Vancouver BC, April 6. 
• Closing Keynote - SHARE Investor Summit, Shareholder Association for Research and Education, Vancouver BC, March 7.

2023

• Featured Speaker – Daring to Preach Love. Evolving Faith Conference, Minneapolis MN, October 13/14.
• Keynote – Title TBD. National Indigenous Spiritual Gathering, The United Church of Canada, Edmonton, July 27. 
• Keynote – “Through the Wilderness.” Prairie to Pine Regional Council, The United Church of Canada, Regional Meeting, Winnipeg MB, June 2.
• Keynote – “#LandBack: Reclaiming the Commons for a Future Not Our Own.” John Albert Hall Lectures, University of Victoria, Victoria BC, May 4/5.
• Keynote – “Signs of Resurrection.” Resurrect Party, Pacific Mountain Regional Council, The United Church of Canada, Victoria BC, May 4.

2022

• Presenter – “Critical Assessment of modern education system from Indigenous Peoples’ perspectives.” Indigenous Peoples’ Consultation on Theological Education in Asia, World Communion of Reformed Churches, Manila, Philippines, October 15.
• Keynote – “Creation, Land, and Indigeneity: Resistance on Turtle Island and Beyond." Co-presentation w/ Dr. Jenny Te Paa.  Christian Left Conference 2022, Emmanuel College, Toronto ON, August 6.
• "Mobilizing Faith & Spirit for the Climate Crisis” – Unitarian Church of Vancouver, Vancouver BC, January 12.

2021 

• “Invited Speaker” –  Graduate History Student Symposium, Knox College, Toronto School of Theology, University of Toronto, November 17.
• Keynote – “The connection of freedoms and unfreedoms in the quest for liberation.” 16th Annual Liberation Based Healing Conference: Critical Consciousness, Accountability and Empowerment, New Jersey (Virtual event), November 6.
• Keynote – “Lessons from the Streets: The liberative wisdom of Brené Brown in addressing multiple existential threats.” Iwaasa Public Lecture on Urban Theology, University of Calgary & Calgary Public Library, September 18.
• Department Talk – “Broken Promises, Broken Systems: An Indigenous view of theodicy in the form of systemic injustice.” Department of Classics and Religion, University of Calgary, September 17.
• Keynote – “Untitled.” Annual General Meeting, BC Native Ministries, Pacific Mountain Region – the United Church of Canada, March 13.

2020

• All pandemic all the time - who had time or audience for speaking?

2019

• DTES Constructive Theology Conference, Vancouver BC, November 16.
• Keynote – “Respecting Covenant – Risking the Journey Towards Reconciliation.” Diakonia of the Americas and Caribbean Conference, Vancouver BC, August 19.
• Keynote – “Radical Hospitality.” Radical Hospitality Conference, First United Church, Kelowna BC, February 23.

2018

• Public Lecture – “Intercultural Theology” Emmanuel College, University of Toronto, Toronto ON, September 25.

2017

• Keynote – “God cares for the middle class: a theology of anti-privilege.”
  Progressive Christianity on the Peninsula, South Surrey BC, April 26.

2015

• Keynote – “Finding Hope in the Law and Romans 2: 12-15.” Seeking the Peace of Jerusalem: Overcoming Christian Zionism in the Quest for Justice, Vancouver BC.

2014 

• Keynote – “Doing Theology on Occupied Land.” Symposium on United Church of Canada Engagement with Israel Palestine. St. Andrew’s College, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon SK.

2011 

• Keynote – “Untitled.” Churches Council on Theological Education in Canada, University of Winnipeg, Winnipeg MB.

2009 

• Public Lecture – “The WCC and Seeking Justice for Israel-Palestine.” Starr King School for the Ministry, Berkeley CA.

2007 

• Theme Speaker – Sounding the Bamboo Conference, UCC Ethnic Ministries Unit National Women’s Conference, Vancouver BC.

Papers Presented

• 2018 “Gentrification as Administrative Evil,” American Academy of Religion, Pacific Northwest Regional Conference, May 6.
• 2017 “First Things First: Leading an Urban Mission from Theory to Practice,” American Society of Missiology, National Meeting, Wheaton, IL.
• 2016 “The Outhouse: A Racially Charged Preferential Option for Adequate Facilities,” American Academy of Religion, National Meeting, San Antonio, TX (in absentia).
• 2012 “#Who is Paul McCartney Anyway? – Why theology matters for youth & mission and vice versa,” American Society of Missiology, National Meeting, Evanston, IL.
• 2011 “‘Dances with Dependency’: An Indigenous Theological Exploration of Dependency and Development Theories and their influence on Liberation Theology for the 21st Century,” American Academy of Religion, National Meeting, San Francisco, CA.
• 2011 “Authoethnography that Breaks your Heart” – Workshop Participant, Religious Encounter and Exchange in Aboriginal Canada Symposium (SSHRC Funded), University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon SK.
• 2010 “Seeing Ourselves Through Our Own Eyes: Indigenous Theology & the Autoethnographic Journey to Transformation,” American Academy of Religion, Western Regional Conference, Tempe, AZ.
• 2009 “‘It is a strict law which bids us dance…’ Pacific Northwest Indigenous Traditions and the Transformation of Christian Mission,” American Academy of Religion, National Conference, Montréal, QB.
• 2009 “Eradicating the ‘Fearful Asymmetry’ or power imbalance in Indigenous/Western thought in history and theology,” 4th Annual Bay Area Native American Research Conference, Stanford University.
• 2009  “My Reservations: Theo-Poetic Reflections on Indigenous Canada,” Religion Beyond the Boundaries, American Academy of Religion, National Meeting, Montréal, QB.
• 2008 “Summarizing Bosch and Postcolonial Directions for Missiology in the 21st Century,” Research Degrees Colloquium, Vancouver School of Theology.
• 2007 “Killing Time in Small Pieces: An ORiginAL historical perspective on the liminal spaces of missionary/Aboriginal contact and evangelization,” 32nd Annual Qualicum History Conference – University of Victoria, Parksville BC.
• 2007 “Killing Time in Small Pieces: An ORiginAL historical perspective on the liminal  spaces of missionary/Aboriginal contact and evangelization,” American Academy of Religion Pacific Northwest Regional Meeting, Lethbridge AB.
• 2007 “How Much Fun Can Sex Be Before It’s a Sin? The Birth Pangs of Emerging Spirit: Should the United Church Have Abstained?” 5th Annual Graduate Conference in Religious Studies, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge AB.

Respondent

• 2024 Respondent - "Christ and Water" Webinar, The Christ Seminar - The Westar Institute, online, April 29.
• 2022 Respondent – “Beyond Capitalism: Four Constructive Proposals toward Ecological, Equitable, Democratic Economic Life” – Religion & Economy Unit, National Meeting – American Academy of Religion.

Panelist

• 2024 Panelist - "Panel Title TBC" Religion, Holocaust and Genocide Studies & Religions, Social Conflict and Peace units, National Meeting - American Academy of Religion,
• 2023 Panelist – “New Developments in Israel-Palestine and the Role of the Churches.” St. Paul’s University, Ottawa ON, April 27.
• 2022 Panelist – “Working towards a common human flourishing framework: what could this look like and why does it matter?” – Humanity 2.0, Forum 2022. Pontifical Academy of the Sciences, Vatican City, November 3.
• 2017 Panelist – Fall Colloquium on Justice, Vancouver School of Theology, Vancouver.

Discussant

• 2025 Discussant - "Theologies of Religion and the Religio-Racial Constellation: A Trauma-Informed Proposal" - Symposium at Emmanuel College, Toronto, ON, January 14.
• 2022 Discussant – “Interfaith Panel on Pope Francis’ Visit” – G20 Interfaith Summit, Virtually, June 27. 
• 2021  “A Taste of Compostela” – Centre for Liberation Theology & Decolonial Dialogues, Virtually, June 9.
• 2018 “Intercultural Theology” Panelist – Ecumenical Symposium on United Church Anniversaries, Emmanuel College, Toronto ON, September 24.
• 2010 “Spirituality and Healing” Panelist, 5th Annual Liberation-Based Healing Conference, University of Texas Austin, School of Social Work, Austin TX.
• 2009 Respondent – Mission as Accompaniment Consultation, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Luther Seminary, Minneapolis MN.
• 2008 Participant – “Ecclesial and Social Visions of Indigenous Peoples” Consultation, National Council of Churches in the Philippines / World Council of Churches, Baguio, Philippines.
• 2008 Panel Chair – International Theological Conference on “Holy Land,” World Council of Churches / Swiss Federation of Protestant Churches, Bern, Switzerland.

• 2024 - Present  International Working Group on Theology and Religion in the Capitalocene, Wendland-Cook Program in Religion and Justice Vanderbilt Divinity School | Vanderbilt University 
• 2024 - 2025  DARE 2025 Conference, Steering Committee - "Education for Liberation" Co-Chair, Council for World Mission
• 2022 – Present Fellow, The Christ Seminar, The Westar Institute
• 2022 – 2023 Member, The Human Flourishing Project, Harvard University   Flourishing @ Work Interest Group Spirituality & Flourishing Interest Group
• 2022-2023 Member, “Teaching at the Intersections: Re-imagining Feminist, Womanist, Asian, Latina and Indigenous Theological Pedagogy” Wabash Case Study Method Discussion Group

• 2022 Respondent – 1st National Gathering on Unmarked Burials. Office of the Special Interlocutor, Edmonton AB, September 14.
• 2019 Panelist “Reconciliation and Responsible Investment” - 10th Annual Responsible Investment Workshop for Religious Investors, SHARE, Toronto ON, November 21
• 2019  Participant – Planning for global indigenous peoples’ program – World Council of Reformed Churches, Hanover Germany, October 24-25
• 2019 - Keynote – Faith Fest, Highlands United Church, North Vancouver BC, March 2.
• 2018 “Innovation for Impact: Designing Workplace Culture” – Realize Change: Leadership In an Age of Disruption, Realize Strategies Conference, Vancouver BC, November 21.
• 2018 “Social Isolation & Vancouver’s DTES Neighbourhood” – Public Lecture, Knox United Church, Vancouver BC, October 27.
• 2018  Panelist – Innovation Forum, Canadian Housing & Renewal Association 50thAnnual Congress, Ottawa ON, April 24.
• 2016 “Writing the Law on their Hearts: Working with the lawyers at Ecojustice as a person of faith” – Keynote Speaker, Earth and Spirit Series, St. Anselm’s Anglican Church, Vancouver BC .
• 2016  Panelist – “Working Towards Reconciliation” event, Township of Langley, February.
• 2006 “God in Your Grace: Transform the Earth” – Presenter, World Council of Church, 9thGeneral Assembly, Porto Alegre Brazil, February./'

Guest Lecture – in class

2020 Union Theological Seminary – Liberation Theologies & Liturgy, February 13.

2019 Graduate Theological Union – Interdisciplinary Studies Seminar, December 4.

Guest Preaching - available on request

Other Media

• 2022 “What are we waiting for?” Ecumenical Advent Series (Presbyterian, Anglican, Evangelical Lutheran Churches in Canada, and United Church of Canada)
• 2022 “How do we include Indigeneity in Collective Liberation Conversations?” Activist Theology” Podcast. Recorded November 21, 2022 (Released January 10, 2023)
  Convergence “Centering the Silenced Summit” Podcast session. Nov 14-18, 2022
• 2022 “It’s Your Call” Podcast. Season 2, Episode 4
• 2022 “The Radical Reverend” Podcast. November 11, 2022
• 2022 “Vancouver-based Rev. Carmen Lansdowne, Kwisa'lakw becomes 44th moderator of United Church of Canada” The Georgia Straight, July 24, 2022.
• 2022  “United Church elects Carmen Lansdowne as 1st Indigenous woman to lead a religious denomination in Canada” CBC News, July 23, 2022.
• 2022 “It’s Your Call” Podcast. Season 1, Episode 8.
• 2022 “Meet the first nominee for moderator of the United Church” – Broadview Magazine, February 10, 2022.
• 2021 “Truth and Reconciliation, A Living History” The Tyee, June 14, 2021 (with Dr. Cheryl Bear and Lauren Sanders)
   

Union Theological Seminary

Biblical Theology in Interreligious Perspective, September 2024

with John Thatamanil & David Carr 

Centre for Christian Studies

Right Relations Learning Circle, Co-Faculty, April 2023

Vancouver School of Theology

Indigenous Spiritualities & Christian Faith, January 2019
 

Progressive Christianity on the Peninsula
Intercultural Theology, Fall 2017 & 2018

University of Winnipeg

Indigenous & Christian Encounter, Summer 2013

Sandy Saulteaux Spiritual Centre

Indigenous Liberation Theologies, Winter 2013

Introduction to the Bible, Fall 2009

Starr King School for the Ministry

Global Religious Traditions, Spring 2011 & 2012

Jesuit School of Theology at Berkeley (Santa Clara University)

Native Ministry & Theologies in the Americas, Fall 2010

with Eduardo Fernandez & Nicanor Sarmiento
 

Doctoral Committees

• 2024 - The Rev. Alexa Gilmour - Pacific School of Religion, Berkeley CA (DMin)
• 2019  The Rev. Dr. Kenji Marui – Luther Seminary, MN (DMin)

Manuscript Review

• 2025  Rowman & Littlefield, Manuscript Review
• 2023  Rowman & Littlefield, Manuscript Review
• 2020  Journal for the Study of Religion, Nature and Culture, Article Review
• 2019   Journal of Indigenous Wellbeing, Article Review

Steering Committees

• 2024-2025 DARE 2025 Conference, Council for World Mission
• 2009-2013  Liberation Theologies Consultation, American Academy of Religion

Other

• 2021 – 2022  Doctor of Ministry Committee, St. Stephen’s College, Edmonton, AB
• 2021 – 2022   Academic Review Team, St. Andrew’s College, Saskatoon, SK – reviewer only (unable to attend meetings)  

Ordained Ministry – Word, Sacrament & Pastoral Care, United Church of Canada 2007

• 2021 – 2024   Director, Vancouver Foundation, Board of Directors
• 2019 – Present Member, Indigenous Peoples Programme Committee – World Communion of Reformed Churches (Hannover, Germany)
• 2021 – 2022  Director, Sandy Saulteaux Spiritual Centre, Keepers of the Vision 
• 2019 – 2022  Chair, Indigenous Candidacy Board, National Indigenous Council, United Church of Canada
• 2018 – 2020   Director, United Church of Canada Pension, Board of Directors
• 2017-2018 Secretary, Pioneer Meadows Montessori School, Board of Directors
• 2015-2018 Member, Theology Interchurch-Interfaith Committee, United Church of Canada (Land & Covenant Working Group, Aboriginal Spiritualities Working Group)
• 2016 Chair, Environmental Youth Alliance, Board of Directors
• 2014-2016 Chair, Youth in Mind, Board of Directors
• 2011-2013 Chair, Communications Advisory Group, World Council of Churches
• 2007-2013 Member, Audit Committee, World Council of Churches
• 2006-2013 Member, Executive Committee, World Council of Churches
• 2006-2013 Member, Central Committee, World Council of Churches
• 2006-2013 Member, WCC Relations Committee, Canadian Council of Churches
• 2006-2013 Member, Executive, General Council, United Church of Canada
• 2007-2011 Member, Fundraising Advisory Group, World Council of Churches
• 2007-2010 Co-Moderator, Palestine-Israel Ecumenical Forum Core Group, World Council of Churches
• 2008-2009 Member, Search Committee for General Secretary, World Council of Churches
• 2003-2005 Treasurer, Vancouver School of Theology Student’s Association
• 2003-2004 Member, Vancouver School of Theology, Board of Governors

• Dec 1, 2025 - Assistant Professor of United Church of Canada Studies, Emmanuel College, Victoria University in the University of Toronto
• 2022-2022 - 44th Moderator, The United Church of Canada
• 2017 - 2023  Executive Director, First United Church Community Ministry Society and First United Church Social Housing Society
• 2015 – 2017 Director of Operations Ecojustice Canada Society
• 2014-2015 Staff Selection Process Manager, Galileo Learning, Oakland CA
• 2011-2014 Director of Operations Alliance for Climate Education (Now "Action for the Climate Emergency)
• 2007-2008 Campus Minister, UCC University Hill United Church
• 2001-2002 English Teacher  OP-NET English Institute, Iwata Japan
• 1999-2000 Staff Accountant  KPMG

LANGUAGES

• English Native Speaker
• French Intermediate Speaking & Reading
• Spanish Intermediate Speaking & Reading

ACADEMIC ASSOCIATIONS

• 2023 – present  The Society of Christian Ethics
• 2023 – present Canadian Theological Society
• 2006 – present American Academy of Religion
• 2009-2019 American Society of Missiology
• 2017-2018 Critical Ethnic Studies Association
• 2008-2010 Native American and Indigenous Studies Association

PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS

• 2018-2022 Canadian Housing Renewal Association
• 2018-2022 BC Nonprofit Housing Association
• 2020  Association of Fundraising Professionals