James M.M. Francis was formerly a senior lecturer in New Testament Studies at the University of Sunderland. He is currently Principal of the Ordained Local Ministry training course for the Diocese of Durham, England. He is a team vicar of Sunderland Minster and a non-residentiary canon of Durham Cathedral. He is general editor of the Series Religions and Discourse and has research interests in the fields of Biblical Studies (especially imagery) and Ministry.