Christian life on campus
We value diversity and pluralism in all areas of life, including religious beliefs. Christian life on campus is an inclusive and welcoming community that provides students with opportunities to explore and deepen their faith while engaging in meaningful dialogue with others from diverse religious and cultural backgrounds.
Christian Chaplains and strands of Christianity on campus
The Christian Chaplains at the University of Surrey are a resource for students seeking guidance, support, and spiritual nourishment during their time at university. We welcome students from all denominations and offer support for Anglican, Catholic, Orthodox, Methodist, Pentecostal, and international Christian students.
Anglican
The Anglican Church has a long history in England and is known for its inclusive and progressive approach to Christianity.
Prayer in the Day on campus takes place on Mondays at 12 noon, in Wey Flat on Stag Hill Campus. Just 15 minutes can put your day into perspective.
God on Monday is a lunchtime informal group for anyone wanting to share delight, puzzlement, hope or doubt. You can come and go as you like and bring your lunch too. Mondays in term time, 12:30 – 1.45pm in Wey Flat on Stag Hill campus.
Meet the Anglican Chaplain
Reverend Duncan Myers is the full-time Anglican (Church of England) Chaplain to the University. He is available to talk and meet with students and staff on campus (Stag Hill, Manor Park and Kate Granger Building) or online. Duncan offers pastoral and spiritual support – questioners and 'don’t knows' are welcome, as are those facing life changes or wanting to talk about their faith (obviously!).
Duncan also facilitates a Student Bereavement Support Group with the Student Union. He has links with local Christian Churches and takes services at Guildford Cathedral. He is one of the University Rainbow Allies.
- Call: +44 (0)7875 268036
- Email: duncan.myers@surrey.ac.uk.
Catholic
The Catholic Church is a global community of believers who share a common faith and devotion to the teachings of Jesus Christ.
Catholic Mass is celebrated on campus on Sundays at 6:30pm at the Roundhouse.
Orthodox
The Christian Orthodox Church is one of the oldest and largest branches of Christianity, with roots tracing back to the early days of the Church. It places a strong emphasis on continuously evolving tradition, with liturgical practices that have been passed down for millennia. It believes in one God, the Holy Trinity, emphasizes the role of the saints, and the importance of the sacraments in the spiritual life of its members.
The services of the Orthodox church in Guildford are taking place regularly in Lady Chapple (Guildford Cathedral) and St Mary’s Church (town centre - Quarry Street, Guildford). Please, find the schedule of services on our website:
Meet the Orthodox Chaplain
Father Constantine Litvinenko is the Greek Orthodox Chaplain to the University. He has led the Orthodox Community of Holy Trinity in Guildford for over a decade. It is a multinational community.
Father Constantine also teaches Physics and Mathematics at the University, so if you are interested in the relationship between science and religion, he might be a good contact.
Father Constantine's role for our students and staff is primarily a pastoral one; this may include sharing joy and sadness, celebrating achievements and overcoming personal crises. It may also involve advice and spiritual direction based on Orthodox Christian teaching.
- Call: +447950074247
- Email: k.litvinenko@surrey.ac.uk.
Methodist
Methodism is a worldwide denomination of the Christian faith. Founded in Britain by John Wesley in the 1700s there are now 80 million Methodists worldwide. We are known for our passion for issues of social justice, warmth of welcome and inclusion of all. You can find out more on the Methodist website.
Our local Methodist Church is St. Mary's in the town centre (the oldest building in Guildford!) which is a shared Church with the Church of England. There are services there every Sunday at 10:30am, view their website for more details. There is a group at the Church called Chit Chat which meets on Wednesday mornings and offers English conversation for people who do not have English as a first language.
Meet the Methodist Chaplain
Reverend Paul Glass is the Methodist Chaplain and Minister at St. Mary's in Guildford town centre. He has been Chaplain to schools, universities, theatres and an ASDA superstore! He is very happy to meet and talk with staff and students on campus about anything and everything and to offer support, care and a listening ear to all.
- Call: +44 7584068959
- Email: p.glass@surrey.ac.uk
Pentecostal
The Pentecostal Church is a charismatic Christian movement that emphasizes the role of the Holy Spirit in the life of the believer. They are known for their passion towards missions and evangelism.
Pentecostal services are held on campus weekly at the Rik Medlik Building Theatre and hosted by Winners Place Guildford. We create peer support groups and networking platforms for interactions, so everyone feels supported.
Pentecostal Service: Sundays, 10am-12:15pm
Bible study: Chosen Society Wednesdays 6pm, LTE/D. For Postgraduates on Zoom 7pm
Prayer and Communion: Fridays, 8pm on Zoom
Yearly events/festivals:
- New Year Fast - A Solemn Christians Observation for Pentecostal Christians usually between 21 and 40 days before Easter
- March - A festival of praise celebration to end the new year fasting
- June - Summer BBQ
- October - Freshers Praise Festival - Celebration of a new season for all Pentecostal students
- December – A yearly Christmas dinner. All black and African students are welcome, Watch Night Eve - A yearly observation for all Pentecostal Christians around the world to mark the end of the year and celebrate a new year.
Meet the Pentecostal Chaplain
Ruth Akujuaobi is the chaplain for all Pentecostal Christians on campus including Chosen Christian Society and all Black and African Christian students on campus. Ruth is an ordained minister of Redeemed Christian Church of God and Co-Pastor of Winners Place Guildford. She is the visioner of the HOPE Concert after the lockdown and runs hope talks from time to time.
Ruth is happy to meet all Black and African students, both home and international students and to provide pastoral counselling, care and support to make your stay at Surrey both productive and memorable.
- Call: +44 7915055633
- Email: ruth.akujuaobi@surrey.ac.uk
International Christian Chaplaincy
The International Christian Chaplaincy is a resource for students from all over the world and of any faith background who are seeking support and guidance as they navigate life in a new country. We offer weekly and monthly events for all internationals to come along, like walks, day trips, cultural events, leadership training and lots more. For more information head to Friends International Guildford.
Meet the International Christian Chaplains
Lilli Jones works for Friends International Guildford, which is a Christian charity that loves to welcome and support international students of any background and faith. Lilli was born and raised in East Germany (that doesn’t exist anymore!) and moved to Guildford in September 2013. She is a qualified teacher and has been supporting students from all over the world for the past ten years.
- Call: 01483683713
- Email: lilli.jones@surrey.ac.uk
Phil Duncalfe works for Friends International Guildford as well. He is British, but has lived in America, Australia, and spent most of his childhood in Papua New Guinea.
Email: phil.duncalfe@surrey.ac.uk
Regular services on campus
We offer regular services on campus that are open to all students, regardless of their religious affiliation. These services include weekly worship, Bible studies, and prayer groups.
Booking out space for Christian fellowship
Students are welcome to book out space on campus for Christian fellowship events and activities. This is a great way to connect with other Christian students and explore your faith in a supportive community.
Christian life in Guildford
Guildford is a vibrant and diverse community with a rich history of Christian faith. There are many churches and faith-based organizations in the area that offer opportunities for students to get involved in the local community and deepen their faith.
Ecumenism
At the University of Surrey, we value ecumenism, which is the promotion of unity and cooperation among different Christian denominations. We encourage students to explore the diversity of Christian traditions and engage in respectful dialogue with others from different backgrounds.
Christian student societies
There are several Christian student societies on campus that provide opportunities for students to connect with others who share their faith. These societies offer a range of activities and events, including Bible studies, worship services, and social gatherings.