Weaving the Interfaith Tapestry: Workshops

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This interactive workshop introduces participants to the Gen Z Role Models Project, first launched at University of Oxford and now based at King’s College London. Drawing on short stories written by young adults, the session offers a guided exploration of how Generation Z is making sense of religion and spirituality in a digitally mediated world. Participants will work in small groups to read and interpret selected stories, using a simple analytical framework to identify recurring patterns in how meaning, doubt, and influence are narrated. These insights then open into a wider, participant-led discussion about what young adults today may be seeking and how chaplains might respond in their own contexts, combining the project’s research findings with shared experience and practical wisdom.

Dr Edward David is Lecturer in Ethics and Values at King’s College London and Director of the Associateship of King’s College (AKC), as well as a Research Fellow at Blackfriars Hall, University of Oxford. He was previously the McDonald Postdoctoral Fellow in Christian Ethics and Public Life at Christ Church, Oxford, and a Research Fellow in the Faculty of Theology and Religion at Oxford. His work explores moral formation, leadership, and spirituality in contemporary culture, and he is the author of Leadership by Example (Cambridge University Press) and, most recently, The Spiritual Narratives of Generation Z (Routledge).

How do we move from a collection of individual faith representatives to a genuinely collaborative multifaith chaplaincy? Drawing on experience from the University of Surrey, a team of 25 Chaplains, the Olympic and Paralympic Games, the emerging Faith in the City initiative in the City of London, and the United Nations Faith for Rights programme, this workshop will explore practical approaches to building trust, shared purpose, and effective collaboration across faith and belief communities.

Participants will consider the structures, relationships, and values that enable chaplaincies to serve people of all faiths and none while maintaining the integrity of their own traditions. Through case studies and discussion, the session will examine how multifaith chaplaincy can support wellbeing, strengthen community cohesion, promote religious literacy, and contribute to the common good in both educational and civic settings.  

Rabbi Alex Goldberg is Rabbi of Guildford and Principal of Religious Life and Belief at the University of Surrey, where he leads one of the UK's largest multifaith chaplaincy teams at a UK University. A barrister, human rights advocate, and educator, he is Co-Convenor of the Faith in the City initiative in the City of London, a tutor on the University of Oxford University’s Faith for Rights programme, and serves on the United Nations Faith for Rights Community of Practice Steering Group. His work focuses on chaplaincy, religious literacy, interfaith engagement, human rights, and building communities of belonging across faith and belief traditions. He is on the Commissioning Board of CTVC and regular contributes to Radio 2’s Pause for Thought.

Each year there are over 600k international students in our universities. Some of their needs are the same as home students, but they also have different needs. In this workshop we will be thinking about how to connect well with international students: Do you meet many international students in your chaplaincy?  Does it feel difficult to get to know them well and meet their needs? How is faith expressed differently across cultures? How can interfaith relations benefit International Students? Do come and share your experiences and learn from others.

Madeleine Bonicel (Friends International, International Chaplain University of Nottingham and Nottingham Trent University) has lived and studied in four different countries and knows the challenges of crossing cultures both alone and with family members. She worked in Marketing then English Language Teaching before joining Friends International in 2017.  She was first involved in supporting Internationals as a student herself in Durham. She now has 9 years of experience working with International Students in Nottingham and joined the University of Nottingham Chaplaincy Team at the start of Covid. She has also recently become an International Chaplain at Nottingham Trent University. She has a French husband and 3 bilingual children. When she isn't busy with students, church or family, she likes country ​​walks, photography, travel, classical music and paddleboarding.  

This interactive workshop offers an introduction to some of the foundations and fundamentals of difficult conversations on campus and how we can create inclusive brave spaces. We will explore together some methods, ideas, and case studies from student groups, to navigate difficult (and the not so difficult) interfaith conversations on campus. We will recognise our role as chaplains and how different groups might engage on campus, whether they be students, staff, or external partners.

Until very recently Beth co led the Campus Leadership Programme with the Council of Christians and Jews, an interfaith leadership programme for university students focusing on bridgebuilding, dialogue, and helping students become interfaith ambassadors. Since 2024 she has been Christian chaplain at Manchester Metropolitan and in the last month has joined the chaplaincy team as a Christian chaplain at Chester university. She’s passionate about inclusive welcome, holistic spirituality, and being able to bring your whole authentic self to spaces.

This interactive workshop introduces participants to the Gen Z Role Models Project, first launched at University of Oxford and now based at King’s College London. Drawing on short stories written by young adults, the session offers a guided exploration of how Generation Z is making sense of religion and spirituality in a digitally mediated world. Participants will work in small groups to read and interpret selected stories, using a simple analytical framework to identify recurring patterns in how meaning, doubt, and influence are narrated. These insights then open into a wider, participant-led discussion about what young adults today may be seeking and how chaplains might respond in their own contexts, combining the project’s research findings with shared experience and practical wisdom.

Dr Edward David is Lecturer in Ethics and Values at King’s College London and Director of the Associateship of King’s College (AKC), as well as a Research Fellow at Blackfriars Hall, University of Oxford. He was previously the McDonald Postdoctoral Fellow in Christian Ethics and Public Life at Christ Church, Oxford, and a Research Fellow in the Faculty of Theology and Religion at Oxford. His work explores moral formation, leadership, and spirituality in contemporary culture, and he is the author of Leadership by Example (Cambridge University Press) and, most recently, The Spiritual Narratives of Generation Z (Routledge).

How do we move from a collection of individual faith representatives to a genuinely collaborative multifaith chaplaincy? Drawing on experience from the University of Surrey, a team of 25 Chaplains, the Olympic and Paralympic Games, the emerging Faith in the City initiative in the City of London, and the United Nations Faith for Rights programme, this workshop will explore practical approaches to building trust, shared purpose, and effective collaboration across faith and belief communities.

Participants will consider the structures, relationships, and values that enable chaplaincies to serve people of all faiths and none while maintaining the integrity of their own traditions. Through case studies and discussion, the session will examine how multifaith chaplaincy can support wellbeing, strengthen community cohesion, promote religious literacy, and contribute to the common good in both educational and civic settings.  

Rabbi Alex Goldberg is Rabbi of Guildford and Principal of Religious Life and Belief at the University of Surrey, where he leads one of the UK's largest multifaith chaplaincy teams at a UK University. A barrister, human rights advocate, and educator, he is Co-Convenor of the Faith in the City initiative in the City of London, a tutor on the University of Oxford University’s Faith for Rights programme, and serves on the United Nations Faith for Rights Community of Practice Steering Group. His work focuses on chaplaincy, religious literacy, interfaith engagement, human rights, and building communities of belonging across faith and belief traditions. He is on the Commissioning Board of CTVC and regular contributes to Radio 2’s Pause for Thought.

This interactive workshop explores the lived experiences, challenges, and strengths of Sikh students within Higher Education in the UK. Drawing upon chaplaincy practice, educational leadership, and community engagement, the session will consider how universities can create environments where Sikh students feel recognised, supported, and empowered in their identities.

The workshop will explore the importance of Sikhi as a lived faith tradition and how identity is expressed both spiritually and visibly through the 5 Ks (Kakaars). Particular attention will be given to the legal protections afforded under UK law regarding religion and belief, including issues surrounding equality, safeguarding, discrimination, and inclusion on campus. Central to the session will be the Sikh principle of sarbat da bhala — seeking the wellbeing of all humanity — and the understanding that humanity is one. In addition, the workshop will examine the transformative role of langar (the Sikh free community kitchen) within university spaces — not only as a religious tradition, but as a model of equality, service, hospitality, and social justice that can strengthen belonging and wellbeing across diverse student communities.  

Sardarni Navleen Kaur MBE is an educator, Sikh chaplain, community leader, and founder of Sahara Sisterhood, a women-led organisation creating safe spaces for dialogue, wellbeing, and empowerment across communities. With more than two decades of experience in education, chaplaincy, and interfaith engagement, Navleen has worked extensively within schools, universities, and community organisations to support spiritual wellbeing, belonging, and social cohesion. Awarded an MBE by King Charles III for services to interfaith relations and women, Navleen brings a unique combination of academic expertise, lived experience, and grassroots leadership.  She holds an MPhil from the University of Cambridge in Educational Psychology, focusing on motivation, identity, and young people, and has served as Head of Religious Education, Assistant Headteacher, and Sikh Chaplain within educational settings. Navleen is passionate about supporting Sikh students in Higher Education and creating faith-literate campuses where students can thrive authentically. 

As chaplains, you spend your days holding space for others. This workshop is a dedicated environment designed just for you—an opportunity to prioritize your own well-being and step away from daily demands. Whether you bring a craft project to work on or simply want to enjoy the company of your peers, this session centers on mutual support. Come along to share successes, discuss current challenges, and pose questions for open discussion. It’s an informal, welcoming space to recharge, compare notes, and find community with fellow higher education chaplains.

Siân Street is a member of the Methodist Diaconal Order, a dispersed religious community. She is the Methodist chaplain at the University of Nottingham and cultivating community and enabling space for listening and caring so that everyone can flourish are important aspects of her ministry.