Faculty Bio: Dr. Michael Toy

Dr. Michael Toy completed his PhD in the Study of Religion at Te Herenga Waka Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand, and his Master of Divinity (MDiv) at Princeton Theological Seminary. His research explores the nexus of digital media, culture, and theological imaginations of flourishing. A lay member of the Episcopal Che has been involved in religious education and spiritual formation both professionally and as a volunteer for the past 10 years.

Degrees and Institutions:

• PhD, Te Herenga Waka Victoria University of Wellington, 2025
• MDiv, Princeton Theological Seminary, 2015
• BA, Wheaton College, 2011

Publications and Work:

• [co-authored with Michaela Richards] “‘Coming to a Head: Digital Contestations over Sacred Sites in Aotearoa New Zealand,” Religions Special issue: “Institutional Innovation and Tradition: Understanding Changes and Continuities in Religious Leadership, Communication, and Technology Ethics,” edited by Pauline Hope Cheong and Ilona Nord, 15 no. 12 (2024): 1483
• “That’s Just Who I Am’: Theological Reflections on Diaspora, Belonging, and Identity among Asian Anglicans in Aotearoa.” Anglican Journal of Theology in Aotearoa and Oceania 2, no. 2 (2023): 50–62
• “Speak of the Devil: Suanggi, Satan, and Spiritual Healing in West Papua.” Melanesian Journal of Theology 36, no. 1-2 (2020): 103–120