‘The Chaplaincy’ is a title for the chaplain’s department. A chaplain is a minister of religion who works in an institution - in this case, a Church of England minister within the University. Currently there is one full-time chaplain at the University, Revd Tamsin Merchant. Tamsin is based at the Chaplaincy Centre and Chapel at Francis Close Hall.
Tamsin Merchant joined the University as chaplain in August 2004. She is married to Rob, and has two sausage dogs. She is sometimes seen riding around on a blue Vespa, and promises not to run you over as she travels around the campuses. An art college graduate, she has been known to spend her spare time painting. She also enjoys film and music, and has a raucous laugh.
What do we do?
We are here to offer pastoral care and support to all students and staff, irrespective of faith commitment. To this end, we are part of Student Services, and work closely with the Students' Union and the International Office.
Many students pass through our University without realising that it has a Christian Foundation. At the southern entrance of FCH, there is a foundation stone (laid in 1849) on which is stated the founding Christian principles of the University. In 2003, the University Mission Statement affirmed that, as a University, we seek to be ‘Christian and inclusive’. As a Chaplaincy we wish to reflect this aim in all we do, seeking to promote and demonstrate the good news of Jesus Christ, and his values of love, truth, justice, and community.
Come and visit us at the Chapel and Chaplaincy Centre at FCH. You can contact us via email: chaplaincy@glos.ac.uk or call us on 01242 714592.