The chaplains at York are committed to working together in partnership and to meet together regularly. In addition, we are committed to celebrating the rich diversity of creation and of the Christian traditions from which we are drawn. In Autumn 1998, all the full-time chaplains and representatives of their churches signed a covenant to this effect. This is given below.
The University of York Chaplaincy Covenant
The Chaplaincy represents the Churches' commitment to the University community: its primary task is making the Christian faith present in and relevant to its environment.
As Anglican, Catholic and Methodist chaplains to The University of York and their denominational and religious superiors, recognising our differences and respecting the beliefs and customs of each denomination, we commit ourselves to working together in:
To foster the continuing development of this relationship we recognise the need for the following structures:
This document was signed on the 24th of November 1998 by:
In addition David Cantrell, the new Anglican Chaplain, signed this document on the 24th November 2000.
Fr Michael Manning, the Catholic Chaplain from 2002 - 2004, signed this document on 10th October 2002.
This document was signed again by Graham Jones, Damian Cassidy (Catholic Chaplain), and Stephen Nicholson on 18th October 2005 at the licensing of Stephen as Anglican Chaplain.
On 12th May 2010 at the service to mark the beginning of Rowan Williams' ministry as Anglican Chaplain the document was formally signed again.
On 13th February 2015 at the service to mark the beginning of Ged Walsh's ministry as Catholic Chaplain the document was formally signed again by:
On the 27th April 2024 at a service of Festal Evensong in Heslington Church, the Covenant (see below) was signed by:
The signed Covenant document is displayed on a wall in the main entrance of More House.
Our Covenant Today
As the recognised Chaplains to the University of York, we can affirm a commitment to working together ecumenically in Chaplaincy.
As Anglican, Roman Catholic, and Methodist Chaplains to the University of York, recognising our differences and respecting the beliefs and customs of each denomination, we commit ourselves to working together in:
Support and Review of the Chaplaincy Covenant
The Chaplains affirm their commitment to work ecumenically in Chaplaincy for the benefit of the whole student and staff community at the University of York. Those with denominational oversight for each Chaplain agree to support the Chaplains in this shared ministry and service. Those with denominational oversight also commit to ensuring that a Chaplain (of their denomination) is, within reasonable time, appointed when there is a vacancy.
The Chaplaincy Covenant will be reviewed every five years or when the Chaplains, along with those appointed with denominational oversight, consider necessary.
The University of York Chaplaincy Covenant
The Chaplaincy represents the Churches' commitment to the University community: its primary task is making the Christian faith present in and relevant to its environment.
As Anglican, Catholic and Methodist chaplains to The University of York and their denominational and religious superiors, recognising our differences and respecting the beliefs and customs of each denomination, we commit ourselves to working together in:
- Joint acts of worship for the university community
- Common teaching (Theology for All)
- Matters of pastoral care
- Representation to the university
- Pilgrimages and excursions
- Regular staff meetings
- Praying together
- An equal share of the costs of the chaplaincy and university income
- Promoting dialogue between religious societies (Christian and other Faiths)
- Shared administration
- Commitment to formulating joint policies wherever possible
- Integration of our work with that of the part-time chaplains where appropriate and leaders of other Faith communities.
To foster the continuing development of this relationship we recognise the need for the following structures:
- review of this document every three years
- establishment of a support group (to meet at least once a term in the first year and then at least twice annually) made up of:
- The three full-time chaplains
- The four denominational and religious superiors (or their representatives)
- One student from each denomination
- One member of staff from each denomination
- future appointments will be made within the spirit of this document in consultation among denominational and religious superiors, having sought the advice of the support group
This document was signed on the 24th of November 1998 by:
- John Robertson, Anglican Chaplain
- Antony Lester, Catholic Chaplain
- Graham Jones, Methodist Chaplain
- The Anglican Bishop of Selby
- The Roman Catholic Bishop of Middlesbrough
- The Chairman of the York and Hull District of the Methodist Church
- The Prior Provincial of the Carmelite Friars in Great Britain
In addition David Cantrell, the new Anglican Chaplain, signed this document on the 24th November 2000.
Fr Michael Manning, the Catholic Chaplain from 2002 - 2004, signed this document on 10th October 2002.
This document was signed again by Graham Jones, Damian Cassidy (Catholic Chaplain), and Stephen Nicholson on 18th October 2005 at the licensing of Stephen as Anglican Chaplain.
On 12th May 2010 at the service to mark the beginning of Rowan Williams' ministry as Anglican Chaplain the document was formally signed again.
On 13th February 2015 at the service to mark the beginning of Ged Walsh's ministry as Catholic Chaplain the document was formally signed again by:
- Rowan Williams, Anglican Chaplain
- Ged Walsh, Catholic Chaplain
- Rory Dalgliesh, Methodist Chaplain
- The Archdeacon of York of the Diocese of York
- The Vicar Forane of the Central Deanery of the Diocese of Middlesbrough
- The Superintendent Minister of the York Circuit of the Methodist Church
- The Prior Provincial of the Carmelite Friars in Great Britain
- The Vicar of Heslington
On the 27th April 2024 at a service of Festal Evensong in Heslington Church, the Covenant (see below) was signed by:
- Revd Dr Catherine Reid, Anglican Chaplain
- Revd Dr John Schofield, Methodist Chaplain
- Fr Richard Duffield, Catholic Chaplain
- Archbishop of York
- Bishop of Middlesbrough
- Chair of the Yorkshire North and East Methodist District
The signed Covenant document is displayed on a wall in the main entrance of More House.
Our Covenant Today
As the recognised Chaplains to the University of York, we can affirm a commitment to working together ecumenically in Chaplaincy.
As Anglican, Roman Catholic, and Methodist Chaplains to the University of York, recognising our differences and respecting the beliefs and customs of each denomination, we commit ourselves to working together in:
- Joint acts of worship for the University community
- Common theological teaching
- Providing social activities that encourage community of faith and no faith in the University community
- Providing spiritual retreats for students and open to staff
- Representation to the University
- Pilgrimages and excursions
- Regularly praying together
- Sharing costs as is appropriate
- Encouraging dialogue between student faith societies (including multi-faith)
- Sharing administration where possible
- Committing to formulate policies and practice when appropriate
- Agreeing together to invite and include faith partners in the work of Chaplaincy where possible and appropriate
Support and Review of the Chaplaincy Covenant
The Chaplains affirm their commitment to work ecumenically in Chaplaincy for the benefit of the whole student and staff community at the University of York. Those with denominational oversight for each Chaplain agree to support the Chaplains in this shared ministry and service. Those with denominational oversight also commit to ensuring that a Chaplain (of their denomination) is, within reasonable time, appointed when there is a vacancy.
The Chaplaincy Covenant will be reviewed every five years or when the Chaplains, along with those appointed with denominational oversight, consider necessary.
