University Chaplains
The University is currently in the process of appointing a new University Chaplain. In the meantime you are welcome to seek guidance and support from any of our network of Associate Chaplains and Faith Advisers.
You can find their contact details listed below.
Associate Chaplains
These are ministers at local churches accredited as chaplains within the University. They are less involved with the University on a day-to-day basis, although they may have significant involvement with particular groups and concerns.
Methodist
Revd Linda Eccles
Phone: 0191 514 2218
Email: l.eccles1@btconnect.com
Revd Linda Eccles is the minister at both the Burn Park Methodist Church (near University Metro Station) and Ewesley Road Methodist Church (near Sunderland Hospital). She visits the University campus and would be available to meet students as needed. She can be contacted anytime by phone or through the Chaplaincy.
Roman Catholic
Father Kevin Dixon
Roman Catholic Chaplain
Phone: 0191 567 5354
Email: darntonjosef@yahoo.co.uk
Fr Kevin is the Roman Catholic Chaplain at the University. He is the parish priest at St. Mary's Church, Bridge Street, Sunderland. The Catholic Chaplaincy office and meeting place are in St. Mary's Parish Centre.
Baptist Church
Revd John Prothero, Enon Baptist
Phone: 0191 567 0685
Email: the.proths@btopenworld.com
John is the Baptist member of the chaplaincy team. He is the minister in charge of Enon Baptist Church, and is available on request. He visits at St. Peter's Campus on Wednesday lunch time.
Salvation Army
Major Stephen Slade
Phone: 0191 565 6378
Email: stephen.slade@salvationarmy.org.uk
Major Stephen Slade is the Salvation Army Officer at the Sunderland Citadel Corps Cairo Street. He is available at the university during his weekly visit. He is involved in ministry within the City and is also a Sunderland Senior Street Pastor.
He is available to meet with students either on campus or at a mutually agreed venue. He can be reached through the Chaplaincy office or by direct telephone as shown above.
Coptic Orthodox Church
Fr Karas Bishoy
Phone: 07970 664993
Email: karabishoy@hotmail.com
Fr Karas ministers to the Coptic Orthodox members of our university community. He is available on campus when needed. He also attends the students' meetings on Fridays at 7pm. He can be contacted directly or via the Chaplaincy Office.
Advisers for Faith Communities
These are members of staff available for advice on matters relating to particular faith groups. They can be contacted by telephone or e-mail.
Buddhist
Peter Harvey
Professor of Buddhist Studies
Buddhist in the Theravada tradition
as practised in Thiland, Sri Lank and Burma
Phone: 0191 515 2174
Home Phone (can be contacted): 0191 384 3913
Email: peter.harvey@sunderland.ac.uk
Peter takes meditation class (no charge for this) each Thursday at 5pm in term time, in Priestman D6. All are welcome to come along - you certainly do not need to be a Buddhist. The method taught is a form of mindfulness of breathing, a gentle way to calm and inner strength.
Peter also takes a meditation class on Wednesday evenings in Durham,and an associated one is taught in Newcastle on Tuesday nights. For details of all classes, see the samatha.trust.org website - drop-down menu in top right-hand corner.
Jewish
Simon Henig
Phone: 0191 515 2226
Email: simon.henig@sunderland.ac.uk
Sikh
Gurpreet Singh
Gurdwara Sahib, South Shields
Phone: 0191 515 3211
Email: gurpreet.singh@sunderland.ac.uk
Gurpreet is a principal lecturer in the Design Department at the University. He is a Trustee of the Gurdwara Khalsa Mero Roop Hai Khas in West Way, South Shields and takes part in the services there on Wednesday and Saturday evenings from 7.30pm.
All are welcome to take part in the 24 hour simran programme that has run there since 1984. Gurpreet can be reached either through the chaplain's office or through his contact details indicated above.
Islam
Imam Yusuh Meah
Phone: 07888645945
Email: muhammad.yusuf@sunislam.org.uk
Yusuf Meah is the Imam for the Islamic Society at the University and a member of the Chaplaincy Team. He is available on request via the chaplaincy office or direct by telephone. He leads Friday prayers and supports muslim members of the university community.
