University of Southampton Chaplaincy Association Press Release 2/12/2009
In light of the Diocese of Winchester’s decision to cease funding the Anglican Chaplain and ecumenical chaplaincy at the University of Southampton, a group of intrepid students have set up the University of Southampton Chaplaincy Association.
The student led Association aims to find the £21000 needed each year to fund a full time Protestant Chaplain and the running costs of the Chaplaincy.
John Wheatley, Chairman of the Association and 4th Year Civil Engineering student says:
“Whilst we’re disappointed that the Diocese is ignoring the future adult members of the church by withdrawing funding, we have not given up hope. We are seeking funding from a wide range of avenues”
The students hope to convince the University of Southampton that, like every other British University, they should fund the chaplaincy on campus as part of the right to freedom of religion in the workplace.
They also hope to work closely with the Free Church Council in Southampton who currently provides the financial backing for a part time Free Church chaplain by combining the roles to make a full time Protestant Chaplain.
The student population of Southampton and the UK has come out in force to support the work of the popular Chaplaincy in Southampton, with a petition of over 900 signatures being gathered in less than a week.
Emma Anthony, a current 2nd year student says:
“I was a mess when I started uni but was suggested to go to the Chaplaincy because it was 'a really nice place' - what an understatement that turned out to be. I met the chaplains on my first visit and was immediately struck by how friendly and welcoming they were, and how they clearly cared so much about students. At that moment, scared and in floods of tears, glancing sideways at my mum every few seconds to make any decision that came my way, I saw them as parent figures, which is what I needed then; now, they are most definitely my friends. It was at that moment that a large part of my fear of starting uni slipped away - it felt like a safe place. Since then I've made some of my very best friends there, people I can't imagine my life without.”
The students currently have over £300 pledged at one off donations, and regular donations of £100 per month pledged in just 3 days.
If you want to help save this life changing service, please visit
http://www.savesotonchaplaincy.co.uk
For more information please contact Alex Jones (Secretary), secretary@savesotonchaplaincy.co.uk or Dan Barnes-Davies (Publicity Officer), webmaster@savesotonchaplaincy.co.uk