Literature, News

Writer and poet Rachel Mann: “Most people are suckers for love”

1 714

Featured image: Bryn Rogers

Writer, poet and Manchester Met teaching fellow Rachel Mann, will be discussing the theories and principles behind her new book in an online event on Thursday.

In conversation with Emerita Professor of Divinity at Durham University, Ann Loades, the leading theologians will discuss the principal tenets of their theological beliefs with Virginia Moffatt.

Rachel’s book, Spectres of God, is part of a series of books, written in three sections: the spectre of the body, of love, and of time, drawing on her own experiences of how she found God. 

Rachel spoke with Manchester Met’s multimedia journalism students ahead of the event, to discuss the meaning behind her book and the challenges she has faced being a trans woman, working for the church, and her experience with disability and ill health.

Rachel said: “If we are going to have any understanding of something bigger than ourselves, you don’t have to be religious to have that sense that there is more to life than just my life, that has to be found in the body and the lives that we have.

“The way in which I experienced God is through my experience of being a ‘cast-out body’. I used to be embarrassed and ashamed of this stuff but nowadays I’m extremely proud.

“Most people are suckers for love, and for grace and kindness. That is what gives me hope, is that people are mostly good.”


MY THEOLOGY with Rachel Mann and Ann Loades will take place Thursday 3rd February, 7pm on Zoom.

Book your free ticket at via Eventbrite.

About the author / 

Lauren Stewart-Molyneux

Journalist, Blogger & Writer

1 Comment

  1. Ellen Stewart 3rd February 2022 at 2:07 pm -  Reply

    Excellent Lou I knew you are very good and will only get better very proud.

Leave a reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

More News Stories:

  • Lights Up cycling film to premiere at The Savoy for International Women’s Day

    Featured image: Isabelle Dargue A powerful new film documenting Manchester’s Lights Up movement will premiere at The Savoy Cinema on 9 March as part of International Women’s Day celebrations. Lights Up is a free, community-led event organised by Bee Pedal Ready and Station South in partnership with Manchester Metropolitan University, We Are Cycling UK, MCRActive,…

  • Manchester illustrator Stanley Chow to play free DJ set in Chorlton

    Featured image: David Lindsay Manchester illustrator Stanley Chow will return to the decks for a special guest vinyl DJ set at The Garden Bar in Chorlton later this month. Chow, known for his distinctive geometric minimalist portraits of figures from Manchester and wider pop culture, is returning to his roots with an exclusive free DJ…

  • A Mural for Mani – Manchester music legend to be immortalised with mural in his hometown

    Following the passing of iconic Stone Roses and Primal Scream Bassist Gary ‘Mani’ Mountfield, there have been growing calls for him to be immortalised in a way that reflects both his cultural impact and the deep affection shared between the musician and his home city. GRIT Studios has answered the calls from fans, announcing plans…

  • London Fashion Week A/W 2026: The new designers shaping tomorrow

    Featured image: Evie Peattie  Often overshadowed in popular narratives by the heritage houses of Paris or Milan, London’s fashion ecosystem has long traded on creative freedom. As London Fashion Week prepares for its 42nd year, running from the 19 to 23 February, the British capital is poised to reaffirm its reputation not simply as a…