A Free Churches letter to the Minister of State for Universities

The Free Churches Group has written an open letter to Michelle Donelan MP, Minister of State for Universities, highlighting the challenges faced by the sector because of the COVID-19 pandemic, and urging her to put safeguard the well-being of students and the ongoing contribution of universities to society.

Revd Paul Rochester, the General Secretary of the Free Churches Group points out the risk that groups of students and potential students who are already disadvantaged, might encounter further barriers if provision is not made to address the “digital divide” in society.

The use of graduate salaries as a measure of quality of education is criticised as it disadvantages universities and other providers which prepare students for careers in lower-paid but crucial roles in healthcare and other vocations that benefit society.

Universities, the letter says, should be key agents for social mobility, overcoming barriers to opportunity arising from social class, ethnicity, location or disability.

The churches have a role to play in supporting universities, their staff and students, from welcoming international students to providing spaces for study if social distancing means that university campuses have reduced capacity.

The letter ends with an invitation to the Minister to have further conversation about ways in which churches might play a significant role in the national recovery and other areas of education policy.

You can read the full text of the letter HERE.
           
Note:

The Free Churches Group is an ecumenical body of 24 denominations and church groups that work together to promote faithful witness in the public square.

For further information please contact:
Sarah Lane Cawte, Free Churches Education Officer
sarah.lane.cawte@freechurches.org.uk        0203 651 8339

To see the Free Churches Group’s publications and statements on education, visit

(photo courtesy of Kate Macate at Unsplash)

A service to mark the 72nd anniversary of the NHS

The Newcastle Hospitals Chaplaincy Department have made a poignant film with a service of reflection to mark the 72nd anniversary of the founding of the NHS.

You can watch their film here, which features an adapted version of Psalm 121 - “I lift up my eyes…”

May it be a blessing and a comfort to you.

(photo courtesy of Amy Shamblen at Unsplash)

An act of reflection

The healthcare trust in York has put together a moving and thoughtfully produced reflection. The Trust says that as an organisation, “We are just coming to the end of a week of reflection at York Trust. The idea came from the need for some sort of ‘ritual’ to mark what staff have been through, to try and name what has been happening, to reflect, and to find some format for beginning to let go. As a dept. we have been blessed with becoming part of a well-being group in the hospital, with psychology, Organisational development, Arts team, Occupational Health etc. and they were very supportive of the idea.”

You can see the film they have made HERE.

They go on the say that, “We also have had rivers in two chapels. Our volunteers have made boats – the idea being ‘what has kept you afloat during this time?’; there were droplets of water of what people want to let go of, and lights could be lit to remember someone. The pictures were taken at the start of the week – the river has been really used by staff this week.” (rivers pictured below)

Perhaps these images and the film they have made will help us all to take

some time to reflect in these strange and difficult times too?

They have so benefitted from other colleagues sharing what they have been doing, and they hope and pray that the week of reflection at York, may also spark healing/reflective ideas off for people.

"I lift up my eyes...." - further resources to help you in your ministry

Revd Meg Burton, Secretary for Healthcare Chaplaincy for the Free Churches, has been gathering and sharing a range of supportive and informative communications with Healthcare Chaplains. Although these are primarily aimed at those working in healthcare chaplaincy, many others may find the content encouraging and helpful in their life and ministry.

There is:

• An adapted version of Psalm 121- I lift up my eyes…

• Facing the Storm - support in the time of trauma

• Support materials for ‘psychological first aid’

• Life after Lockdown - tackling loneliness (report from the British Red Cross)

You can find out more and explore these reflections and materials HERE.

Meg provides the leadership on Healthcare Chaplaincy work at a national level for the Free Churches as well as in a multi-faith context.

(photo courtesy of Andrew Coelho at Unsplash)

Sharing some good news!

Barbara Easton, a long standing and dedicated member of the Free Church Education Committee (FCEC) has been elected to serve as the Vice-President of the Methodist Conference for 2021/22. She joins with Rev Sonia Hicks who will serve as the President. Warmest congratulations to you both on your election, from all in the FCEC! You can read the full story here.

The Free Churches Group has a good working relationship with the Methodist Church (who are a member group of FCG). We will look forward to continuing and strengthening these links as Sonia and Barbara develop in their new roles.

Rev Sonia Hicks

Mrs Barbara Easton