Emmanuel College Welcomes Carmen Lansdowne
Emmanuel College has welcomed the Very Rev. Dr. Carmen Lansdowne as the first Assistant Professor of United Church of Canada Studies. She arrived on campus in December and has already begun meeting students, faculty, and staff as she settles into her new role.
Lansdowne is an ordained minister and a member of the Heiltsuk First Nation. She is widely recognized across The United Church of Canada for her leadership, scholarship, and public ministry. Her appointment follows a three year term as Moderator of the United Church.
Acting Principal Pamela McCarroll said Lansdowne brings a unique blend of academic depth and church experience that will shape the college in meaningful ways.
“Carmen has an extraordinary ability to connect faith, leadership, and community,” McCarroll said. “Watching her engage with students on campus this month has been inspiring. She brings energy and hope into every room.”
During her time as Moderator, Lansdowne launched (Re)Generate, a leadership development initiative that supports the Church’s priority of strengthening leadership for the future. She has also held executive roles in the nonprofit sector and has nearly two decades of governance experience.
Beginning this term, Lansdowne will teach courses that prepare students for ministry while advancing her own research on leadership for the next quarter of the twenty first century.
“Being here at Emmanuel feels like the right place for this next chapter of my work,” Lansdowne said. “Students are asking big questions about what ministry can look like today. I am excited to explore those questions with them.”
Lansdowne has taught at institutions across North America, including Union Theological Seminary in New York, Vancouver School of Theology, the University of Winnipeg, Sandy Saulteaux Spiritual Centre, Starr King School for the Ministry, and the Jesuit School of Theology at Berkeley.
Her recent scholarship includes her first monograph, Wearing a Broken Indigene Heart on the Sleeve of Christian Mission, published in 2025 by CMU Press. She also co edits the Survivance Series for Fortress Press, which highlights Native American and global trans Indigenous perspectives in Christian history and theology.
“She brings such an important voice to conversations about identity, mission, and the future of faith communities,” McCarroll said. “Her scholarship broadens the way we think about theological education.”
Lansdowne is also a sought after preacher and lecturer. In recent years she has spoken at the Luther Lecture in Regina, the Evolving Faith Conference, the John Albert Hall Lecture at the University of Victoria, the United Church of Christ General Synod, and the Christian Left Conference. She continues to preach regularly and is often invited as a podcast guest.
“Community has always been at the heart of my ministry,” she said. “I am looking forward to building those relationships here too.”
Students in the United Church often describe Lansdowne as both incredibly talented and the nerdiest church nerd, a description she embraces with good humour. She and her family live on the west side of Toronto.