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© 1999-2009  

Lancaster University Chaplaincy Centre, Lancaster University, Lancaster LA1 4YW

The BBC Religious Calendar can be found here

www.chaplancs.org.uk

Lancaster University  

Chaplaincy Centre

Tel 01524 594071

Email admin[a]chaplancs.org.uk (replace [a] with @)

Lancaster University Chaplaincy Centre was dedicated on May 2nd 1969. It was

"for the worship of God and the service of man, for refreshment and informal meeting, for acquiring fresh knowledge, and a place where counsel and help could be given" (Act of Dedication).

This was no ordinary act of dedication. It was conducted by representatives of many different Christian churches (an event rare enough even thirty years later), together with members of the Jewish community, with whom they had joined to provide the building. During the years since its Dedication the Centre has provided a unique facility for University members of many different religious traditions. Those using the building in that time have been drawn not only from every Christian tradition, but almost every major World faith.

The first approach to the University had been made by the Roman Catholic Bishop of Lancaster, Brian Foley. His enquiry about the provision of facilities for Roman Catholic students had rapidly become a joint enterprise which had united Catholic, Anglican, Methodist, Presbyterian, Congregational, and Baptist churches. Then they were joined not only by a Jewish partner, but also by sympathizers from the local Quaker community and the Unitarian church. Only the absence of a Muslim representative with whom to negotiate, prevented purpose-built accommodation for Muslims being added to that of the Jewish and Christian founders. A fund-raising appeal raised nearly £ 150,000 which was presented to the University so that the Chaplaincy Centre could be built.

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