Colin (Ted) Bearup

The Rise of New Sufi Networks in the UK: An examination of the practice of suhba and rabita by two 21st Century Sufi Masters. 

Islam is much more diverse than most people realise. While universalist de-Islamicised forms of Sufism have established themselves in the West, genuinely Islamic Sufism is enjoying a resurgence. New Sufi masters are emerging and harnessing the power of modern media. Ted’s research is looking into an important strand within the Islam of British Muslims today.

He teaches 'Islam in Contemporary Britain' at BA level at NTC and is a member of the Development Group of the Manchester Centre for the Study of Christianity and Islam. He also teaches 'Islam and Ministry amongst Muslims' at Cornerstone Centre for Intercultural Studies in the Netherlands, and on Sufism and on the Spiritual World of Muslims as an annual guest speaker at All Nations Christian College. He is responsible for the online MA module 'Christian Ministry in Muslim Contexts' at SMBC, Australia, which launches in July 2022.

Ted lives with his wife in Nelson, Lancashire, with many Muslim neighbours. He is Interfaith Officer at their church, The Mission, Nelson. He has three adult children and three grandchildren. 

Supervisors: Dr Dwight Swanson and Dr Phil Rawlings

Recent Publications

Calling on the Prophets, William Carey Publications. 2021

Inviting Muslims to Church, Grove Publications, 2020.

Clues to Africa, Islam and the Gospel. Insights for New Workers. William Carey Publications, 2020.