CV

Education

2021     PhD English Literature (Interdisciplinary Biblical Studies)
School of English & Sheffield Institute for Interdisciplinary Biblical Studies (SIIBS), University of Sheffield, United Kingdom (WRoCAH AHRC Doctoral Competition Scholarship)
Project: Gender Diversity in the Ancestral Narratives: Encountering Esau & Sarah through a Hermeneutics of Cispicion
Supervisor: Casey Strine

2015     MA Theology and Religious Studies (Distinction)
University of Leeds, United Kingdom (WRoCAH AHRC Research Preparation Masters Scholarship)
Dissertation: Reading Jacob Genderqueerly.

2014     BA (Hons) Theology and Religious Studies (First Class)
University of Leeds, United Kingdom
Dissertation: Lot’s wife: forgotten, remembered and re-imagined.

Publications

Journal Articles

2022     Gwyther, K. & Henderson-Merrygold, J. The Disidentification of Mordecai: A Drag Interpretation of Esther 8:15. Hebrew Studies.
2020     Gendering Sarai: Reading Beyond Cisnormativity in Genesis 11:29-12:20 and 20:1-18. Open Theology 6 (1), pp. 496-509. DOI: 10.1515/opth-2020-0133
2014      Prideaux, M., with Merrygold, J. What the Community Religion Project can tell us about the Study of Religious Diversity in the UK. DISKUS 16 (3) pp. 34-46.

Edited Volumes

2006     Ingham, H., Merrygold, J., Purcell, L. and Rudge, S. (eds). Reading the Bible: Approaching and Understanding Scripture. Birmingham: Student Christian Movement.

Book Chapters

2021    Jacob: A (Drag) King amongst Patriarchs. In: Domoney-Lyttle, Z. & Nicholson, S. (eds). Women and Gender in the Bible: Texts, Intersections, Intertexts. Sheffield Phoenix

2021    Reading Biblical Embodiment Cispiciously. In: Page, S. J. & Pilcher, K. (eds). Embodying Religion, Gender and Sexuality. Routledge.

2018     Queer(y)ing the Violence of Christian Discourses of Gender and Sexuality. In: Blyth, C. Colgan, E. & Edwards, K. (eds). Gender Violence, Rape Culture, and Religion: Christian Perspectives. London: Palgrave MacMillan.

2006     Jehovah’s Witnesses and the Bible. In: Ingham, H. et al. (eds). Reading the Bible: Approaching and Understanding Scripture. Birmingham: Student Christian Movement.

Encyclopedia Entries

2018     “Lot’s Wife (Literature)” In: Swindell, A. (ed). Encyclopedia on the Bible and its Reception. Berlin: De Gruyter.

Book Reviews

2018     “Graybill, Rhiannon, Are We Not Men? Unstable Masculinity in the Hebrew Prophets (New York: Oxford University Press, 2016), pp. xii + 187.” in Journal for the Study of the Study of the Old Testament.

2017     Book Review: Transgender, Intersex, and Biblical Studies by Teresa J. Hornsby and Deryn Guest (SBL Press, 2016), in Review of Biblical Literature.

2016     “Meredith, Christopher, Journeys in the Songscape: Space and the Song of Songs (Hebrew Bible Monographs, 53: Sheffield: Sheffield Phoenix Press, 2013), pp. xii + 202” in Journal for the Study of the Study of The Old Testament 40(5): 110-111.

Teaching & Supervision

Teaching

Module Leader

The Queen’s Foundation, Birmingham, United Kingdom

  • Introduction to Christian Doctrine and History (Introductory level)
  • Christian Discipleship (Introductory level)
  • Theology and Discrimination (Intermediate level)

Invited Lecturer

University of Sheffield, United Kingdom

  • Life Worth Living (Introductory level):
    • Islam
    • Utlitarianism
  • Bible and Popular Culture (Introductory level):
    • Lucifer: Biblical Imagery, and Ideological Criticism
  • Religion in Britain Today (Introductory level):
    • Religion and Ethnicity in Britain
    • Religious Studies Fieldwork
  • LGBT+ Studies (Introductory and Intermediate level):
    • Introduction to Queer Theory
    • Queering Biblical Studies
  • Gender, Religion and the Bible (Intermediate level):
    • Introduction to Queer Theory
    • Queer(y)ing the Bible
  • Old Testament Texts (Advanced level):
    • Reading Jacob Cispiciously

University of Nottingham, United Kingdom

  • Interpreting the Hebrew Bible (Introductory level):
    • Introducing Queer Biblical Research

Cliff College, United Kingdom

  • Narrative Readings of Gender in the Bible (Advanced level):
    • Masculinities in the Hebrew Bible

Diocese of Derby, United Kingdom

  • Introduction to the Old Testament (Introductory level):
    • Post-exilic Literature

Curriculum Co-Design

University of Sheffield, United Kingdom

  • Life Worth Living

Graduate Teaching Assistant

University of Sheffield, United Kingdom

  • Understanding the Old Testament (Introductory level)
  • Life Worth Living (Introductory level)
  • LGBT+ Studies (Introductory and Intermediate levels)

Student Discussion Group Leader

University of Leeds, United Kingdom

  • Religion in Modern Britain

Supervision

Second Supervisor: Sheffield Undergraduate Research Experience – University of Sheffield
Title: An exploration of hetero- and andro- normativity within Godly Play, and attitudes to this within the receiving community in Sheffield.
Primary supervisor: Hugh Pyper

Primary placement supervisor: Work Placement with Research Essay – University of Sheffield.
Projects: Hidden Perspectives, University of Sheffield, and Hidden Perspectives, University of Auckland.

Presentations and Invited Papers

2021

  • Lay ministry from a queer and Methodist perspective. Central Readers’ Council, Church of England. 13 November.
  • Jacob as Drag King in Genesis 25. Divine Bodies. University of Glasgow. 1 April.

2019

  • Reading Sarah with Cispicion. Women & Gender in the Bible and the Ancient World. University of Glasgow, Glasgow. 29 March.
  • Introducing the Hermeneutics of Cispicion. UCR Conference on Queer and Transgender Studies in Religion. Riverside, California. 23-24 February.

2018

  • The Present and Future of Trans Hermeneutics. Society of Biblical Literature Annual Meeting: Trans Biblical Interpretation. Invited Panel (co-sponsored by LGBTI/Queer Hermeneutics and Gender, Sexuality and the Bible Program Units). Denver, Colorado. 17-20 November.
  • Viewing Biblical Embodiment Cispiciously. Embodied Religion Roundtable, Centre for Critical Inquiry into Society and Culture. Aston University, Birmingham. 3 July.
  • Gender Roles in Godly Play. C.H. Kennedy and J. Henderson-Merrygold. Faith in Research 2018. Birmingham. 23 May.

2017

  • Through a cispicious lens: genderqueering feminist biblical studies. European Association of Biblical Studies and Society of Biblical Literature International Meeting, Berlin, Germany. 7-11 August.Wearing Biblical Heteronormativity. Talking Bodies, 19-22 April. University of Chester, United Kingdom. 21 April.
  • ‘Meet Jacob…’ The Image Speaks 2017: Collaborative Exhibition. Communication your PhD through photography. Jessop West Building. University of Sheffield, United Kingdom. From 24 April.
  • My Queer Research: Jo Henderson-Merrygold. Hidden Perspectives Research Seminar, Faculty of Arts, University of Auckland, New Zealand. 17 March. Invited paper.
  • Hidden Perspectives and the Cispicious Bible. Auckland Rainbow Community Church, Auckland, New Zealand. 14 March. Invited paper

2016

  • Developing a Hermeneutics of Cis-picion. Religion, Gender and Sexualities One-Day conference. University of Aston, United Kingdom. 1 July.
  • Genderqueering Sarah: Developing a Hermeneutics of cis-picion. and, with Skerratt, L., Orange is the New Bible Festival of Arts and Humanities Exhibition, Winter Gardens, Sheffield, United Kingdom. 21 May. Poster Presentations.
  • Reading Jacob Genderqueerly: ‘patriarchal sex and gender performativity beyond the binary. Society of Old Testament Studies: Winter Meeting, Durham, United Kingdom. 4-6 January.

2015

  • Jacob and Esau: Varieties of Masculinity in Genesis. SIIBS Launch. 20 May, and SIIBS Showcase, University of Sheffield, United Kingdom. 4 March. Invited poster presentation.
  • Jacob, Esau, and Genderfuck in Genesis. Biblical Studies conference. University of Leeds, United Kingdom. 24 April.
  • Going on a Bible Hunt: A public object of religion and culture in Leeds. British Conference of Undergraduate Research. University of Winchester, United Kingdom. 20-21 April.
  • Knitting together a queer rainbow. LGBT+ Photo Exhibition. Jessop West Building, University of Sheffield, United Kingdom. 23-27 February. Invited contribution.
  • Our Students as Undergraduate Research and Leadership Scholars workshop. Chair: Martin Clement, N. Student Education Conference 4. University of Leeds, United Kingdom. 9 January.

2014

  • Living with the ‘Call the Midwife’ nuns. Manchester Rotary Breakfast Charter Night. Manchester, United Kingdom. 31 October. Invited paper.
  • 35 Years of the Community Religions Project: Revisiting the Archives. First prize paper. Edward Boyle Bequest Lecture. RSA Yorkshire. York, United Kingdom. 22 March. Invited paper.
  • Going on a Bible Hunt: Researching Religion in Leeds. Faculty of Arts nominee. University of Leeds and RSA Prize Awarding Committee. Leeds, United Kingdom. 27 February. Invited paper.
  • Prideaux, M. with Merrygold, J. Students as Experts Workshop. Student Education Conference 3. University of Leeds, United Kingdom. 10 January.

2013

  • Prideaux, M. with Merrygold, J. What the Community Religion Project can tell us about the study of religious diversity in the UK. Critical Approaches to Religious Diversity Workshop. Aarhus University, Denmark. 24 May.

Awards, Scholarships & Prizes

2020

  • The Cotter Scholarship. The Gladstone Library.

2019

  • Society of Old Testament Studies Bursary, Summer Meeting

2018

  • Knowledge Exchange Project, White Rose College of Arts and Humanities: Gender Diversity in the Bible Workshop & Resource Pack
  • Postgraduate Researcher Employability Project, University of Sheffield: Curriculum development, Life Worth Living Module.
  • Petrie Watson Exhibition Award, University of Sheffield.
  • Associate Award, White Rose College of Arts and Humanities.
  • Travel awards, White Rose College of Arts and Humanities.

2017

  • Nominee. Best Postgraduate Student who Teaches Award. The 2017 Academic Awards, Sheffield Students’ Union, United Kingdom.
  • Award for Society of Biblical Literature International Meeting, Berlin, Germany: White Rose College of Arts and Humanities.
  • Researcher Employability Project award for Visiting Researcher role, Hidden Perspectives, University of Auckland, New Zealand: White Rose College of Arts and Humanities.
  • Widening Participation Funding, Faculty of Arts, University of Sheffield, United Kingdom. Project: Religion, Theology and the Bible: All I learned (about the Bible), I learned from Telly.
  • WRoCAH Small award for Talking Bodies, University of Chester, United Kingdom.

2016

  • WRoCAH Large Award for Society of Biblical Literature Annual Meeting, San Antonio, United States.
  • Finalist. Best Event Award: Orange is the New Bible. The 2016 Academic Awards. Sheffield Students’ Union, United Kingdom.
  • WRoCAH Student Led Forum award. Project: Orange is the New Bible. Universities of Leeds and Sheffield, United Kingdom.
  • Arts and Humanities PGR Forum Award, University of Sheffield, United Kingdom. Project: Orange is the New Bible.
  • Learned Societies Fund, University of Sheffield, for University of Manchester, United Kingdom, Sexuality Summer School.
  • WRoCAH Small awards for: Society for Old Testament Studies Winter Meeting, Durham (UK), University of Manchester (UK) Sexuality Summer School, and Religion, Gender and Sexuality conference, Aston University (UK).

2015

  • Postgraduate conference fund. School of Philosophy, Religion and the History of Science, University of Leeds, for Society of Old Testament Studies, Summer Meeting, Edinburgh, United Kingdom.
  • Alumni Footsteps Fund and LeedsForLife award, University of Leeds, for British Conference of Undergraduate Research, University of Winchester, United Kingdom.

2014

  • Undergraduate Research and Leadership Scholarship travel fund, Faculty of Arts, University of Leeds, for Society of Biblical Literature International Meeting, Vienna, Austria.
  • LeedsForLife Foundation Project Award, University of Leeds, for Society of Old Testament Studies, Winter Meeting, Durham, United Kingdom.
  • Leslie Barnard Prize in Theology and Religious Studies award for best BA dissertation in Theology and Religious Studies. University of Leeds, United Kingdom.
  • Zion Old British School Prize for best overall performance in the final year of the BA Theology and/or Religious Studies. University of Leeds, United Kingdom.
  • 1st Prize. RSA/Edward Boyle Award for Outstanding Achievement in Undergraduate Research. RSA and University of Leeds, United Kingdom.

2012-2014

  • Undergraduate Research and Leadership Scholarship. Faculty of Arts, University of Leeds, United Kingdom.
    Project: 35 Years of the Community Religions Project: Revisiting the Archives.

2013

  • Friends (Single Honours) Prize for best marks in Theology and Religious Studies at Level 2. University of Leeds, United Kingdom.
  • Special Commendation. Adult Learner Award. University of Leeds, United Kingdom.

2012

  • Finalist. Participation Award. University of Leeds Student Union Partnership Awards, United Kingdom.

2006

  • Pauline Webb Ecumenical Fund award for World Student Christian Federation Migration Conference, Rome, Italy.

2005

  • Union of Jewish Students award for “Dialogue in Action” conference, Jerusalem, Israel.

Services to Publishing

  • Reviewer: Religion and Gender; Bible and Critical Theory
  • Editorial Assistant. Hidden Perspectives Series. London: Bloomsbury. Series editor: Katie Edwards.
  • Editorial Assitant. Biblical Reception. London: Bloomsbury. Editors: Katie Edwards and Mikael Larsson.
  • Digital Series Editor. Community Religions Project Monographs Series. Leeds: Community Religions Project, University of Leeds.

Services to the Profession

Professional Roles

  • Treasurer, Society of Old Testament Studies (2021-2023)

Events Organised and Hosted

2017

  • Hidden Perspectives on World AIDS Day. Hidden Perspectives. University of Sheffield, United Kingdom. 4 December.
  • Hidden Perspectives Presents… Minna Shkul. Hidden Perspectives and SIIBS, University of Sheffield, United Kingdom, May 9.
  • Talking Bodies, University of Chester, United Kingdom. April 19-22. Panel Chair: Historical Bodies (1) and Literary Bodies (3)
  • Hidden Perspectives Launch, Hidden Perspectives New Zealand. University of Auckland, New Zealand. 17 March.
  • Religion, Theology and the Bible: All I learned (about the Bible), I learned from Telly. Widening Participation event. University of Sheffield, United Kingdom. 29 January. (See review by student facilitators).

2016

  • Hidden Perspective Presents…World AIDS Day: Same Love: Kenyan Courage and Creativity in the Struggle for Same Sex Rights, Adriaan Van Klinken. Hidden Perspectives. University of Sheffield, United Kingdom. 5 December.
  • Hidden Perspectives Presents… Nancy Tan and Nechama Hadari. Hidden Perspectives. University of Sheffield, United Kingdom. 10 May.
  • Skerratt, L. Hamilton, C. and Merrygold, J. Orange is the New Bible symposium. University of Sheffield, United Kingdom. 19 February.

2015

  • Biblical Studies conference. University of Leeds, United Kingdom. 24 April. Chair and student organiser.

2013

  • EXPO 13: Careers Showcase. University of Leeds, United Kingdom. 13 November. Professional Voices: Third Sector and Corporate Social Responsibility Panel member and student organiser.

2012

  • EXPO 12: Careers Showcase. University of Leeds, United Kingdom. 14 November. Professional Voices: Third Sector and Corporate Social Responsibility Panel chair and student organiser.

2011

  • Religions in Leeds Community Religions Project Anniversary Exhibition. University of Leeds, United Kingdom. 24 November. Student event assistant.

Professional Memberships

  • Fellow of the Higher Education Academy
  • Society of Biblical Literature
  • Society of Old Testament Studies
  • Society of Authors

Selected Employment & Volunteering

06/2024-present                    Independent Reviewer: Compassionate & Community Champion. Tier One Academy Trusts and Educational Charities, National. Consultancy & voluntary.

08/2023-04/2025                  Director, Centre for Discipleship and Theology. The Queen’s Foundation, Birmingham, United Kingdom.

05/2022-08/2023                  Head of Lay Ministries. Archbishops’ Council, Church of England, London & nationwide, United Kingdom.

04/2021-05/2022                   Lay Ministries Development Officer. Diocese of Derby, Derby and East Midlands, United Kingdom.

01-07/2019                   Project Assistant: Inclusive Curriculum Project. University of Sheffield, United Kingdom.

08/2010-09/2011     Mission & Development Enabler. United Reformed Church Northern Synod. Newcastle upon Tyne & North East England, United Kingdom.

06/2008-07/2010     Free Church Chaplain. Aston University, United Kingdom. Voluntary.

06/2008-07/2010     Treasurer & Public Relations Co-ordinator. Believing in Birmingham (Churches Together in Birmingham City Centre). Birmingham, United Kingdom. Voluntary.

02/2008-07/2010     Community Leader. Carrs Lane Church Centre, Birmingham, United Kingdom.

11/2004-02/2008     Links Worker. Student Christian Movement, Birmingham & nationwide, United Kingdom.

10/2003-10/2004     Trustee (Marketing). Student Christian Movement, Birmingham & nationwide, United Kingdom. Voluntary.