The vicar of Eastbourne, Rev Dr Ellie Sanderson, has been made an honorary fellow in public theology at Virginia Theological Seminary’s Center for Anglican Communion Studies.

Announcing the appointment of three fellows, Dean Ian S. Markham said: “This is an exciting development in the life of the Center for Anglican Communion Studies... We are delighted to recognize the work of three outstanding thinkers and practitioners whose work resonates deeply with the priorities we have at the seminary.” 

Eleanor Sanderson has combined her church ministry with community development and research.

She was a post-doctoral fellow at the Centre for Theology and Public Issues at Otago University, researching the interplay between international community development and Christian spirituality.

This work paid particular attention to the spiritual wisdom of women in grassroots community action.

Eleanor was recently the Weaver (key speaker) for the Anglican Women at Prayer, Weaving our Bonds of Affection conference co-hosted by the Center for Anglican Communion Studies and the Society for the Companions of the Holy Cross.

She lives with husband Tim and children Zac (6) and Joe (4).