Lexington Theological Seminary is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Esther Parajuli as Assistant Professor of Christian Theology.
The appointment follows a nationwide search led by Rev. Dr. Loida I. Martell, Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean, undertaken after the retirement of Dr. Emily Askew in July 2022.
Dr. Parajuli (she/her), a theologian, a third-generation migrant and a Naga-Nepali hybrid, completed her PhD in Systematic Theology at Union Theological Seminary (UTS) in New York City in May 2022. Her current research work integrates apophatic theology with liberation theology as well as postcolonial theory to contemplate the question of selfhood and its relationship with “the Other.” Her commitment to theological education is rooted in her belief in the interconnectedness of spirituality, critical thinking, and the praxis of liberation. Currently, she is the Director of the Trinity Union Scholars’ Program at UTS, where she provides administrative support and pastoral care to the program’s cohorts. She has taught with renowned professors such as Dr. Chung Hyun Kyung (“Eco-feminism and Earth Spirituality”). She is the author of “Concept of Virginity: A Patriarchal Hegemony” in Bangalore Theological Forum (2017).
Prior to her doctoral studies, Dr. Parajuli received an STM with a concentration in Systematic Theology from UTS and an MTh with an emphasis on Systematic Theology from United Theological College in Bangalore, India.
“I look forward to welcoming Dr. Parajuli to the LTS community,” said LTS President Dr. Charisse L. Gillett. “She brings a perspective and worldview that our students, congregations, and colleagues will greatly appreciate.”
“I am grateful to the Search Committee and President Gillett for a diligent and discerning process,” said Dr. Martell. “After reviewing over 33 candidate portfolios and interviewing six candidates, we agreed unanimously that Dr. Parajuli would provide the LTS community, especially our students, a global perspective and a distinctive theological voice. She is a gifted scholar who will complement well LTS’ outstanding faculty. I want to welcome Dr. Parajuli and look forward to working with her for the foreseeable future.”
Dr. Parajuli will join the seminary on Feb. 1, 2023.