Queer Theology & Church Power: Rev. Dr. Charlie Bell on Faith, Truth & the Future

In this episode of 1946: The Culture Shift Tour – UK, Rocky Roggio and Josie Peres sit down with Rev. Dr. Charlie Bell, an Anglican priest, psychiatrist, and theologian whose work bridges science, faith, and identity.Charlie offers a deeply layered conversation exploring:• What queer theology actually is — and why it matters• How the Church of England, as an established church, shapes national culture• The tension between institutional power and pastoral care• The differences between UK and US church systems• How biblical interpretation — including the 1946 mistranslation — continues to impact LGBTQ+ livesThis episode goes beyond surface-level inclusion conversations and asks bigger questions:What is the Church for?Who does it serve?And how can it change?A powerful conversation about truth, responsibility, and the future of faith.🔗 Watch and listen:https://www.1946themovie.com Dr. Charlie BellAnglican priest, psychiatrist, theologian, academicDeep Dive TopicsInterdisciplinary Identity• Medicine + theology + psychiatry• Moral responsibility and human behavior• Biological vs ethical frameworksChurch of England & Power• Established church explained• Relationship between church and state• National responsibility vs doctrinal exclusion• Marriage, pastoral care, and public lifeUK vs US Church Comparison• Episcopal Church vs Church of England• Decentralized vs centralized systems• Cultural vs legal influence of religionQueer Theology• Definition and core principles• Challenging fixed identity categories• Re-reading scripture through lived experience• Expanding theology beyond binariesScripture & Interpretation• “Owning the text”• Moving beyond defensive readings• Asking new theological questions1946 & Translation Impact• The historical introduction of “homosexuality” into scripture• Long-term theological consequences• Institutional reinforcement of interpretationInstitutional Tension• Public vs private belief among clergy• Structural resistance to change• Naming truth within systemsHope & Future Vision• What change could look like• Why staying matters• The role of queer voices in shaping the future ChurchLinks: Church & TheologyChurch of Englandhttps://www.churchofengland.orgSt John the Divine, Kenningtonhttps://www.sjdkennington.orgAffirming Catholicismhttps://affirmingcatholicism.org.ukSt Mellitus College (ordination training)https://www.stmellitus.ac.ukAcademic & MedicalKing’s College Londonhttps://www.kcl.ac.ukSouth London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trusthttps://www.slam.nhs.ukGirton College, Cambridgehttps://www.girton.cam.ac.ukQueens’ College, Cambridgehttps://www.queens.cam.ac.ukDomuni Universitashttps://www.domuni.euBooks & PublicationsLight to Those in Darkness (forthcoming)(Published via academic/religious press – keep general unless official link released)Routledge (academic publisher often referenced)https://www.routledge.comFilm & Podcast1946: The Mistranslation That Shifted Culturehttps://www.1946themovie.com