Late last night, I sent the following letter to University of Sheffield Vice-Chancellor Keith Burnett:

Dear Professor Burnett:

Biblical scholars worldwide were shocked and dismayed today to hear about proposals within the University of Sheffield to discontinue the undergraduate department of Biblical Studies. I understand from a report online by a representative of the Sheffield Student Union that a firm decision has been postponed pending grievance hearings and other procedures. As those processes go forward, I urge the University of Sheffield to reaffirm and preserve its Biblical Studies program.

Among professional biblical scholars, Sheffield’s “brand name” has become associated with innovative and powerful scholarship. It would be a shame for Sheffield to deny undergraduates the chance to earn a degree studying with the Sheffield biblical studies faculty.

With all best wishes,

Chris Heard