What is a chaplain?
Chaplains are people appointed by the Church to work in all kinds of places outside the normal life of the congregation. There are chaplains in hospitals, workplaces, prisons, the armed forces, shopping centres, rural areas, colleges, universities and schools to name but a few. In all these places chaplains try to show God's love through offering care and support, and by representing Christian values and beliefs.
Chaplains share the great privilege of discovering what God is doing out there - beyond the Church. In our diverse society, chaplaincy has to show the greatest sensitivity and respect. Christian chaplains often work in ecumenical teams or alongside colleagues from other faiths.
Chaplains' conference
As the senior member of diocesan staff responsible for chaplains across all sectors within the diocese, the Archdeacon of Oxford hosts a chaplains’ conference every year. The next conference is due to take place on 23rd September 2025 at Christ Church.
The last conference, held in October 2024 in Christ Church Oxford, welcomed just under 50 chaplains from various different sectors, and the key speakers were Bishop Gavin, the Bishop of Dorchester, who spoke about the 'Big Picture' of chaplaincy and Revd Ruth Hake, the RAF Deputy Chaplain in Chief, who spoke about rewards and challenges of chaplaincy on the ground. The theme was ‘Challenge and Opportunity: The Value of Chaplaincy within the mission of the church’ and Charlie Kerr, Schools Chaplaincy Adviser also spoke on the National picture for schools chaplaincy. There was the opportunity for questions and discussion with a panel of experienced chaplains in the afternoon and eucharist was celebrated in the cathedral before lunch.
The Venerable Jonathan Chaffey
Archdeacon of Oxford
01865 208 263