UNIVERSITY CHAPLAIN

The Chaplaincy to the University of Sunderland is an integral part of the ministry that flows out of Sunderland Minster. This is not only vital and apposite because of the proximity of the Minster to the university but because of its vision as a Minster, serving all people in the city of Sunderland. This is undertaken alongside other chaplaincies from the Minster, especially the Industrial Chaplaincy. Thus the Minster hosts some vital services in conjunction with the university chaplaincy, serving the staff and students of the university community.

The chaplaincy at the university has a very broad ministry and it is a privilege that the Minster is able to provide such a ministry to the university. The chaplaincy seeks to provide pastoral and spiritual services to all irrespective of race, nationality, creed or gender. It fulfils this through the diverse social and spiritual events that it organises in the university. Its ministry can be defined broadly under the following headlines although it is very difficult to include everything, as it undertakes new forms of ministry to the university from day to day some of which do not fit into conventional chaplaincy roles. This makes it rather unique.

Ecumenical Ministry

The chaplaincy ministry is exercised within an ecumenical context with associate chaplains coming from the RC, URC, Salvation Army, Baptist and Methodist churches. Our chaplaincy provision is full time and also has the duty of Co-ordinating of Chaplaincy Services to the university. The bulk of Christian ministry within the university is offered to Christians of all denominations. This enhances their relationship with the Minster as the City Church. For instance they were involved during Minster Vision consultation. The chaplain also supports many of the new independent African churches offering support and occasional preaching ministry by invitation. 

Interfaith Ministry

The vision of the Minster as a gateway for interfaith dialogue and relations is well demonstrated in the work of the Chaplaincy. For instance the Chaplaincy coordinates and relates to people of other faiths in the university and provides for their spiritual needs through its connection and the support it offers to leaders of other faith group who are engaged in chaplaincy ministry across the university.

Sunderland Partnership Interfaith and Advisory Group

This interfaith dimension is extended to the city where the Partnership’s Faith Advisory Group otherwise known as Sunderland Interfaith Forum is facilitated and chaired by the University Chaplain, a member of the Minster clergy team. They hold regular meetings throughout the year, engaging in dialogue, enhancing community cohesion, and making vital contributions to issues that affect the people of Sunderland.  By virtue of this, the chaplain also represents the diocese of Durham at the Newcastle Council for Inter-Faith and Ecumenical Relations (CIFER) hosted at Church House, Percy Main. We are also involved in other city links and groups such as the Refugee Service and other organisation that celebrate the diversity of people in Sunderland including Sunderland Together Against Racism (STAR), Inclusive Communities etc

International and Overseas Nationals

In view of the growing number of international students at the university chaplaincy ministry to people of other nationalities has also increased in many and diverse ways ranging from providing a listening ear, advice and pastoral care to facilitating social interaction, hospitality and representing them on issues affecting them to the appropriate sections of the university. In addition, this has provided many useful links between the students and the Minster as a place of worship and hospitality.  Some have joined the worshipping congregation of the Minster leading to the subsequent nomination and an historic election of a former international student as the first Warden of African nationality at the Minster. Many of our students have been involved in the Minster—Reading, Offertory and attending and participating in leading aspects of our services during Evening worship.

Ministry to Anglicans

It offers support to Anglican students and members of staff and creates an enabling environment for them to practise their faith in the university environment. It provides spiritual support, a listening ear and worship opportunities, so that there is no disconnection between their faith as is practised both at home and at the university.

Committees at University

Apart from events and meetings, the chaplain is also a valued member of the University’s Equality and Diversity Group and the Research Ethics Committee of the University of Sunderland

Ministry at the Minster

The chaplain remains a member of the team of clergy at the Minster, taking services and preaching as well as providing cover for churches across the deanery from time to time and taking occasional offices within the city. He provides a pastoral contact for the Minster and members of its worshipping congregation. The context of a team and provide interaction among colleagues and a context in which different expertise and gifts are valued.

Some Highlights of Chaplaincy Activities