Connection and Collaboration

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We were delighted to welcome chaplains from across the country and representing a range of faith and belief practices to King's College London for our inaugral conference in July 2025. 

The day began with delegates gathering in home groups of 6-10 people to share in discussions about faith and chaplaincy, prompted by question cards. The vulnerability and honesty that was displayed in these groups led to deep and heartfelt sharing.

In the keynote session, Rabbi Alex Goldberg spoke about the need for a collaborative, diverse, and adaptable student-centric approach to HE Chaplaincy work. Through personal stories, Goldberg shared how he grew the Jewish student society which opened up trust for doing interfaith work amidst the broader University life. Responding to crises (notably Covid-19), he pivoted the chaplaincy into a place of “home” away from home for students, utilising food, hospitality, and a bit of “magic”. The importance of professionalising other chaplains via training programs was foregrounded. The result of this: level the playing field for non-Anglican chaplains, allowing the ability to work amidst crises and joyful moments.

The emphasise for Goldberg was this: our job as chaplains is to shape the future leadership of this country, not for personal gain or political power, but through the cultivation of recognising humanity across difference, community within plurality.

After a delicious lunch, participants had the opportunity to take part in two workshops in the afternoon. The workshops available were:

• Finding Courage in the Youth Engagement Crisis, with Sophie Mitchell (Faith and Belief Forum)
• Towards a Radical Centre: How Can We Move Beyond Echo Chambers?  with Claire Martin (Co-Director of St Ethelburga’s Centre for Reconciliation and Peace)
• The Art of Well Being Chaplaincy, with Keith Munnings (University of Derby)
• Reimagining the future of HE Chaplaincy: Moving Beyond Anglican-Centred Models, with Carter Weleminsky (UWL) and Heather Leppard (Oxford Brookes University)
• We Are Not "Nones": Proactive Support for Humanist Students and Staff, with James Croft (University of Sussex)
• Many Paths, One Presence: Applying the six-step Muslim Chaplaincy Model in Interfaith Higher Education Contexts, with Dr Mahshid Turner (Durham University)
• Fostering Belonging Through Conviviality, with Rebecca Daniel (Council of Lutheran Churches in Great Britain)

The day ended with a plenary discussion with the conference organising committee, and much gratitude for the opportunity to come together and enthusiasm for new collaborations and partnerships.