Priest
Charity Leader
Scientist
Communicator
Author
Cancer Survivor
Coach
About
I grew up on the North East coast of Scotland and went to London in 1997 to pursue my dream of being a research scientist. Between my degree and PhD in Physics, I was diagnosed with advanced lymphatic cancer, and went through chemotherapy treatment. I went into remission in February 2000, but found that this was my cure but not my healing. Indeed, over years of recovery from the physical, spiritual and psychological impact of serious illness, I found my vocation to be a priest, I discovered a love of theology and I started down a road that ultimately led me to leading a health and faith charity, working in communities and with senior leaders to help churches and individuals realise the power of faith for finding healing and human flourishing.
I like to juggle hats - I am a writer, theologian, coach, communicator, charity leader and priest. I also love being in the wilderness of Scotland, wild swimming in the sea and cooking. It’s all about balance and joyfully being in the moment.
Books
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A cancer diagnosis is a seismic event. It divides life into before and after, and propels the diagnosed into places of suffering, pain and isolation; life is turned upside down in the present while the future horizon clouds with uncertainty and fear. Despite someone getting diagnosed with cancer in the UK every two minutes, cancer is a disease that is often described as lonely as the sufferer sets out on a tough journey through waiting, treatment and recovery.
In this wise and compassionate book, cancer survivor Gillian Straine proposes that this journey through illness, pain and anxiety be reconceptualised as a pilgrimage of discovery. The Christian faith is that we are never abandoned by God, and this promise holds wherever we might find ourselves, whether that is in the doctor's waiting room, in a chair receiving chemotherapy or lying on the surgeons table. Following the journey of Jesus through the darkness of Gethsemane, to the cross and into the silent waiting of Holy Saturday, this book invites the reader to seek God in their experience of cancer and, by pointing to the glimmers of resurrection hope in remission and beyond, to find healing in their own story of illness.
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We can look at science and religion and see conflict; or we can separate them into different worlds. This book helps the reader understand both sides of this 'conflict' and how they throw light on each other's approach. Of particular interest is what we are learning about personality, mind and psychology, and where consciousness comes from. This book suggests several different paths through the debates that surround science and religion. These paths offer ways of holding a rational interest in the world and scientific attempts to understand it and a lively and questioning faith in God which takes the Bible seriously.
Communication
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Whether in a ecclesiastical setting, with groups of clergy or in a secular situation, I aim to help people connect with their vocation, be inspired to find what flourishing means to them, and to think about finding confidence to be who they are meant to be. I believe that connecting theory with experience, seeking good knowledge (whether in heaven or earth), and asking good questions can liberate people to find happiness and fulfilment.
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I am an experience academic theologian and passionate about making training relevant, interesting and empowering. I have developed two Common Award modules for theological collage students. I am also a visiting scholar at Sarum theological centre for human flourishing.
Health Mission
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The Guild was established over 100 years ago to promote and resource the healing ministry of the Christian Church. Today, our vision is to see flourishing communities made up of flourishing individuals, as we equip and inspire people to nurture health and healing in ourselves, in others and in our communities. The is the mission Jesus has given us and what God empowers us to do taking seriously both theology and the gifts of science.
It is my privilege to work with a group of talented team members and trustees in realising this vision as the CEO of the charity.
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My phd is in Physics from Imperial College London, and I was awarded a MA in theology from the university of Oxford. In the Guild, we are the only UK health and faith charity to take seriously the gifts of science. I work with the public health agenda, and with local NHS integrated care services to elevate a whole person apraoch to human health.
Elected fellow of the International Society for Science and Religion. Chairperson of The Science and Religion Forum
Visiting scholar at Sarum College within the Centre for Human Flourishing
Trustee of the Christian Evidence Society, since 2015
Invited speaker for The Faraday Institute, University of Cambridge, March 2015
Theological advisor to Bishop of London
Prof Jim McManus - President, Association of Directors of Public Health UK
“Gillian is inspirational to work with. Her combination of skills and knowledge is tailored extremely well to any project, whether as a trainer/facilitator, leader or ideas generator and thought leader. She is a catalyst for growth, healing and mission in whatever setting she works in, and is adept at helping people with strategy and finding opportunities. She brings significant expertise in Health, Science and Theology, a strong pastoral sense, very developed leadership and facilitation skills. She bring a strong personal and pastoral instinct; built on empathy, a deep sense of God and personal lived experience. Things happen when you work with Gillian. Mission and healing meet, energies are focused, people sense possibilities and growth happens.”
The Rt Revd and Rt Hon Dame Sarah Mullally DBE, Bishop of London
“Gillian Straine’s work as Director of GoHealth has been transformational. She has led the Guild into a new era and now through a pandemic, releasing churches to discover their capacity as places of healing. Encouraging partnerships with other providers she has highlighted the potential of church communities for social prescribing and overseen the creation of resources which equip faith communities to be hubs of wellbeing. Gillian’s personal story as a cancer survivor, her experience as a priest, her wisdom as a practical theologian and skills as a trainer position her uniquely for this work of the Kingdom. ”