Rowland Williams (theologian)

He was vice-principal and Professor of Hebrew at St David's College, Lampeter, from 1849 to 1862 and one of the most influential theologians of the nineteenth century.

Williams is also credited with introducing rugby football to Wales; Lampeter's team was the first to be established in the nation.

[6] Williams's views were regarded as not altogether orthodox, although the work appears fairly conservative to later generations.

[8] He advocated a more acceptable interpretation of some Christian doctrines, for instance arguing that atonement should be understood as 'salvation from evil through sharing the Saviour's spirit' not as 'purchase from God through the price of his bodily pangs'.

Williams was tried and condemned for heresy in the Court of Arches, together with Henry Bristow Wilson, the editor of Essays and reviews.

[8] Their acquittal, on appeal to the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council, afforded a valuable protection to liberty of thought within the Church of England.

[4] Lord Elis-Thomas, Presiding Officer of the National Assembly for Wales, opened a new research centre at the University of Wales, Lampeter, on Friday 8 April 2005, named in honour of Williams: The Rowland Williams Research Centre for Theology and Religion.