Jess Wyatt

Jess Wyatt is a doctoral candidate in the Faculty of Theology and Religion at the University of Oxford, affiliated with Keble College, as well as a Church of England ordinand at Wycliffe Hall. With a background in public affairs and refugee resettlement, Jess is convinced of the central importance of theology in grounding responses to moral issues. Jess’ doctoral research considers the contention that human bodies can communicate something of what it means to be human and how we should act. Jess’ research aims to provide a thorough exploration of the ethical authority of the body, with particular reference to two areas of ethical debate: dementia and post-traumatic dissociation.

Prior to her doctoral work Jess completed degrees in theology, philosophy and Christian ethics, and her research interests include the intersection of these disciplines as well as 20th Century phenomenology, Barthian theological anthropology, and bioethics. Jess is a TORCH Knowledge Exchange researcher alongside Professor Joshua Hordern and a SCIO Tutor in Christian Moral Reasoning. Jess’ publications include ‘Does Barth’s understanding of sexual difference conflict with his theological anthropology?’ (SJT) and ‘Theological Perspectives on Disability’ (co-author, OUP Handbook to Disability Law, 2025).