Description:
The Susanna Wesley Foundation (SWF) acknowledges that there is a great need to support chaplains in the work they do. People involved in this form of ministry often work alone and face a wide range of (at times conflicting) tasks. This participatory theological action research project aims at learning from people involved in chaplaincy ministry and their experiences relating to matters of freedom of speech in higher education institutions (HEI).
Principal investigator of this SWF project is Research Officer Dr Stefanie Conradt. Stefanie is well-placed to lead this project, as a researcher with a background working at the intersection of practical theology and congregational studies in matters of social (in)justice. She has a PhD in Practical Theology (University of St Andrews) and employment background in ministry and social work.
Project Aims
Through theological reflection, participants i) identify their experiences relating to freedom of speech, ii) assess and discern this in the horizon of their faith and institutions/organisations, and iii) evaluate and exercise best practices to build up new resources for their ministry, the HEI context and local churches. A strand of particular interest will involve learning from Methodist chaplains and in what way they offer a distinct view and wisdom.
Project Development
This study develops over the course of two phases. Phase 1 asks chaplains working in the HEI context to share their story in a qualitative survey. In Phase 2 chaplains working in HEIs are invited on a collaborative research journey. Together we shape this project and explore the topic of freedom of speech by way of creative reflective methods, listening circles and group conversations.
This project is to develop over the course of two years (autumn 2026 – autumn 2028). As this project progresses and develops in partnership with chaplains working in HEI, this webpage will be updated to reflect project progress and findings throughout the process. In addition to the core aims, the hope is that this project will
- strengthen understanding of what it means to work as a chaplain in the HEI environment
- develop a sound understanding of the wider purpose of national higher education
- and impact theology and practice alike to pave a way for policy change in churches and HEIs.
It is worthwhile to check in occasionally and discover what has changed and what resources have been added.
If your work is related to chaplaincy in HEI or you work in a church keen to get engaged in this topic, please reach out by writing to Stefanie Conradt.
Photo by Volodymyr Hryshchenko on Unsplash