Douglas James Davies, (born 11 February 1947) is a Welsh Anglican theologian, anthropologist, and academic, specialising in the history, theology, and sociology of death. He is Professor in the Study of Religion at the University of Durham. His fields of expertise also include anthropology, the study of religion, the rituals and beliefs surrounding funerary rites and cremation around the globe, Mormonism and Mormon studies. His research interests cover identity and belief, and Anglican leadership. Early life and education Davies was born on 11 February 1947 in Llwynypia, the Rhondda Valley, but was brought up in Bedlinog, Wales. He was educated at Lewis School, Pengam, an old Grammar school in South Wales. He studied anthropology at St John's College, Durham, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree in 1969. He studied for a Master of Letters (MLitt) research degree in Mormonism at St Peter's College, Oxford and the Oxford Institute of Social Anthropology under the supervision of Bryan R. Wilson; he completed the degree in 1972. In 1971, he joined Cranmer Hall, an Anglican theological college attached to St John's College, Durham, to train for ordained ministry. During this time he also studied theology, graduating from Durham with a further BA degree in 1973. Davies continued his studies post-ordination. He undertook research in meaning and salvation at the University of Nottingham, completing his Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree in 1980. His doctoral thesis was titled "The notion of meaning and salvation in religious studies". In 2004, he was awarded a Doctor of Letters (DLitt) degree by the University of Oxford; this is a higher doctorate awarded for research. Career Academic career In 1974, Davies joined the University of Nottingham as a lecturer in theology. He was promoted to senior lecturer in 1990, and appointed Professor of Religious Studies in 1993. In 1997, he moved to Durham University, where he had been appointed Principal of the College of St Hild and St Bede and Professor of Theology. In 2000, he stepped down as Principal and was appointed Professor in the Study of Religion. He was Head of the Department of Theology from 2002 to 2005, and has served as Director of the Centre for Death and Life Studies since 2007. His current projects include writings on 'The Encyclopedia of Cremation', 'The Clergy and British Society: 1940–2000', 'A Brief History of Death', 'Inner-speech and prayer' and 'Ritual purity'. He has also published