About Us
Meet the Team
The Oxford Pastorate is a Christian charity here to serve all postgraduate students, whatever their cultural background or faith commitments. We hope to offer a warm welcome to postgraduates from across the globe, helping new arrivals to feel at home in Oxford.
The offer of friendship is at the heart of everything the Oxford Pastorate does. We have an international team of chaplains who enjoy connecting with new people and are available for coffee and conversation offering a listening ear as you settle into Oxford life. All our chaplains have been postgraduate students and can support you during times of personal upheaval and help you to navigate your way through academic challenges. We are committed to creating a safe and caring space for all; you can read our safeguarding policy here.
We are also here to help postgraduates explore the bigger questions in life and look beyond the academic sphere. Whatever your questions about life or faith we would love to discuss them with you. Email us individually at the email links below our photos or send an email to [email protected] and we'll get back to you.
The Oxford Pastorate is a Christian charity here to serve all postgraduate students, whatever their cultural background or faith commitments. We hope to offer a warm welcome to postgraduates from across the globe, helping new arrivals to feel at home in Oxford.
The offer of friendship is at the heart of everything the Oxford Pastorate does. We have an international team of chaplains who enjoy connecting with new people and are available for coffee and conversation offering a listening ear as you settle into Oxford life. All our chaplains have been postgraduate students and can support you during times of personal upheaval and help you to navigate your way through academic challenges. We are committed to creating a safe and caring space for all; you can read our safeguarding policy here.
We are also here to help postgraduates explore the bigger questions in life and look beyond the academic sphere. Whatever your questions about life or faith we would love to discuss them with you. Email us individually at the email links below our photos or send an email to [email protected] and we'll get back to you.
Team
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Alissa Moore-Williams
— Read BioAlissa Ayako Moore-Williams is Director of the Developing a Christian Mind Conferences and an Associate Chaplain with the Oxford Pastorate. She serves in this role on loan from InterVarsity/Link Christian Fellowship to serve postgraduate students in the U.K. In 2009 Alissa co-founded Nomi Network, an international anti-human trafficking non-profit, and served as their Chief Operating Officer, helping the organization create economic opportunities for thousands of women in Asia. She lived for over a decade in New York City and studied theatre and American studies at Skidmore College.
Alissa Ayako Moore-Williams is Director of the Developing a Christian Mind Conferences and an Associate Chaplain with the Oxford Pastorate. She serves in this role on loan from InterVarsity/Link Christian Fellowship to serve postgraduate students in the U.K. In 2009 Alissa co-founded Nomi Network, an international anti-human trafficking non-profit, and served as their Chief Operating Officer, helping the organization create economic opportunities for thousands of women in Asia. She lived for over a decade in New York City and studied theatre and American studies at Skidmore College.
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Bethan Willis
— Read BioBethan Willis joined the Pastorate team in 2014 and is the Oxford Pastorate Chaplain. Having completed a PhD in Theology at the University of Exeter, in recent years she has headed up programmes for the Oxford Character Project, held a non-residential fellowship from the University of Connecticut’s Humility and Conviction programme and worked with charities and the Diocese of Oxford on projects engaging churches with social justice issues. She is now a member of Wycliffe Hall. In her spare time she enjoys embarking on mini adventures with her husband and four children.
Bethan Willis joined the Pastorate team in 2014 and is the Oxford Pastorate Chaplain. Having completed a PhD in Theology at the University of Exeter, in recent years she has headed up programmes for the Oxford Character Project, held a non-residential fellowship from the University of Connecticut’s Humility and Conviction programme and worked with charities and the Diocese of Oxford on projects engaging churches with social justice issues. She is now a member of Wycliffe Hall. In her spare time she enjoys embarking on mini adventures with her husband and four children.
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Claire Shuttleworth
— Read BioClaire Shuttleworth is the Office Manager for the Pastorate. She studied English Literature and Theology at Oxford Brookes University and undertook postgraduate study at King's College, London. She has worked in a variety of roles in Oxford including academic publishing for Wiley-Blackwell. In over 18 years living in Oxford she knows the city well and particularly loves the more multi-cultural East Oxford where she lives, attends Church, and where the Pastorate office is currently located. She is also a gardener-in-training. In her spare time she enjoys many creative pursuits including all-things-horticultural, vintage flea markets & good coffee.
Claire Shuttleworth is the Office Manager for the Pastorate. She studied English Literature and Theology at Oxford Brookes University and undertook postgraduate study at King's College, London. She has worked in a variety of roles in Oxford including academic publishing for Wiley-Blackwell. In over 18 years living in Oxford she knows the city well and particularly loves the more multi-cultural East Oxford where she lives, attends Church, and where the Pastorate office is currently located. She is also a gardener-in-training. In her spare time she enjoys many creative pursuits including all-things-horticultural, vintage flea markets & good coffee.
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Daniel Weninger
— Read BioDaniel joined the Team in November 2022 as an Associate Chaplain. Originally from Germany, Daniel and his family came to Oxford in 2021 for a Study Sabbatical at Wycliffe Hall, University of Oxford - and fell in love with the city. Daniel is particularly interested in the integration of Business and Faith. Having started his career in Christian Youth & Media Ministry, he became "by accident" an Entrepreneur (Consumer Goods, Real Estate and Consulting). He is also a Lecturer and Coach for Personal Growth & Leadership Development at WHU - Otto Beisheim School of Management, Germany, where he works with MBAs and Executive Education Students on their personal calling. Daniel earned degrees in Theology from Freie Theologische Hochschule Giessen, Germany (2002) and the University of Oxford (2022) as well as a Master of Business Administration from WHU - Otto Beisheim School of Management, Germany (2012). Daniel is married and has four children. In his free time, he enjoys cycling, travelling, and playing in a band with his children.
Daniel joined the Team in November 2022 as an Associate Chaplain. Originally from Germany, Daniel and his family came to Oxford in 2021 for a Study Sabbatical at Wycliffe Hall, University of Oxford - and fell in love with the city. Daniel is particularly interested in the integration of Business and Faith. Having started his career in Christian Youth & Media Ministry, he became "by accident" an Entrepreneur (Consumer Goods, Real Estate and Consulting). He is also a Lecturer and Coach for Personal Growth & Leadership Development at WHU - Otto Beisheim School of Management, Germany, where he works with MBAs and Executive Education Students on their personal calling. Daniel earned degrees in Theology from Freie Theologische Hochschule Giessen, Germany (2002) and the University of Oxford (2022) as well as a Master of Business Administration from WHU - Otto Beisheim School of Management, Germany (2012). Daniel is married and has four children. In his free time, he enjoys cycling, travelling, and playing in a band with his children.
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David Williams
— Read BioDavid Williams joined the team in 2020 as an Associate Chaplain on loan to the Oxford Pastorate from InterVarsity/USA. Before moving to Oxford, David served as the team leader for InterVarsity’s Graduate & Faculty Ministries at New York University, directing their graduate, law, medical, and international student ministries from 2013 to 2018. David has earnedmasters degrees in Biblical studies from Westminster Theological Seminary (Philadelphia) and Duke Divinity School, and is currently pursuing an DPhil in Christian Ethics at Oxford University comparing the theologies of higher education of Friedrich Schleiermacher, John Henry Newman, and Abraham Kuyper. David is married to another member of the Oxford Pastorate team, Alissa Moore-Williams, and together they enjoy hosting meals for postgraduates in their home.
David Williams joined the team in 2020 as an Associate Chaplain on loan to the Oxford Pastorate from InterVarsity/USA. Before moving to Oxford, David served as the team leader for InterVarsity’s Graduate & Faculty Ministries at New York University, directing their graduate, law, medical, and international student ministries from 2013 to 2018. David has earnedmasters degrees in Biblical studies from Westminster Theological Seminary (Philadelphia) and Duke Divinity School, and is currently pursuing an DPhil in Christian Ethics at Oxford University comparing the theologies of higher education of Friedrich Schleiermacher, John Henry Newman, and Abraham Kuyper. David is married to another member of the Oxford Pastorate team, Alissa Moore-Williams, and together they enjoy hosting meals for postgraduates in their home.
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Kay Rumford
— Read BioKay Rumford has been a part of the Pastorate's Christian Leadership and Service team since 2017 and is now an Associate Chaplain. Kay studied History at St Anne's College Oxford and then qualified as a solicitor. She worked in private practice for over 25 years, combining this with being mother to three children, now grown up, and serving her local church as youth work volunteer and worship leader. Kay lives with her husband, Steve, in Headington and enjoys walking, reading, going to the theatre and spending time with people.
Kay Rumford has been a part of the Pastorate's Christian Leadership and Service team since 2017 and is now an Associate Chaplain. Kay studied History at St Anne's College Oxford and then qualified as a solicitor. She worked in private practice for over 25 years, combining this with being mother to three children, now grown up, and serving her local church as youth work volunteer and worship leader. Kay lives with her husband, Steve, in Headington and enjoys walking, reading, going to the theatre and spending time with people.
The Oxford Pastorate Council
The team are supported in their work by the Trustees and Council Members who have overall responsibility for the administration and work of the charitable trust. The Chair of the Pastorate Council is Timothy Maughan, Emeritus Professor of Clincal Oncology, University of Oxford. The other four Trustees are - or have been - Senior Members of Oxford University while the larger Council is a more diverse group composed of academics, the Rectors of the four historically evangelical Anglican churches of Oxford, the Principal of Wycliffe Hall and others who have particular gifts or expertise which they are willing to exercise in support of the Pastorate's activities.
Trustees
Josh Hordern
Anne Keene
Ard Louis
Timothy Maughan (Chair)
John Tranter (Treasurer)
Council
Stephen Foster (ex officio)
Kezia Gaitskell
Mark Hay (ex officio)
Dan Heyward (ex officio)
Matthew Kirkpatrick
Michael Lloyd (ex officio)
Vaughan Roberts (ex officio)
Lorna Smith
The team are supported in their work by the Trustees and Council Members who have overall responsibility for the administration and work of the charitable trust. The Chair of the Pastorate Council is Timothy Maughan, Emeritus Professor of Clincal Oncology, University of Oxford. The other four Trustees are - or have been - Senior Members of Oxford University while the larger Council is a more diverse group composed of academics, the Rectors of the four historically evangelical Anglican churches of Oxford, the Principal of Wycliffe Hall and others who have particular gifts or expertise which they are willing to exercise in support of the Pastorate's activities.
Trustees
Josh Hordern
Anne Keene
Ard Louis
Timothy Maughan (Chair)
John Tranter (Treasurer)
Council
Stephen Foster (ex officio)
Kezia Gaitskell
Mark Hay (ex officio)
Dan Heyward (ex officio)
Matthew Kirkpatrick
Michael Lloyd (ex officio)
Vaughan Roberts (ex officio)
Lorna Smith
History
At the end of the nineteenth century the spiritual condition of England’s universities was at low ebb. In Oxford, a number of prominent Anglican clergy and laymen were burdened to do their part to address this crisis. Under Bishop F.J. Chavasse, they planned a new, unofficial, extra-collegiate chaplaincy, The Oxford Evangelical Pastorate.
Founded in 1893, the Pastorate’s ministry has always been relational, seeking positive Christian influence on individuals and small groups. However, the Pastorate has also been involved in some of the most important Christian initiatives in Oxford. In 1941 a Pastorate Chaplain, Stella Aldwinckle, facilitated the foundation of The Socratic Club, inviting C. S. Lewis to be the first president of what was, perhaps, the most vibrant forum for religious debate in twentieth-century Oxford. For much of the twentieth century St Aldate’s Church was the base for the Pastorate’s ministry with the Revd Dr Michael Green leading a team of chaplains in hugely effective evangelistic ministry through the 1970s and 80s.
Since the beginning of the twenty-first century, one of the biggest changes at Oxford University has been the growth in the postgraduate student body from around two thousand to ten thousand, more than half of the total number of students being matriculated each year. The postgraduate community is now one of the most vibrant, variegated and dynamic groups in Oxford and it is these women and men the Pastorate now serves.
At the end of the nineteenth century the spiritual condition of England’s universities was at low ebb. In Oxford, a number of prominent Anglican clergy and laymen were burdened to do their part to address this crisis. Under Bishop F.J. Chavasse, they planned a new, unofficial, extra-collegiate chaplaincy, The Oxford Evangelical Pastorate.
Founded in 1893, the Pastorate’s ministry has always been relational, seeking positive Christian influence on individuals and small groups. However, the Pastorate has also been involved in some of the most important Christian initiatives in Oxford. In 1941 a Pastorate Chaplain, Stella Aldwinckle, facilitated the foundation of The Socratic Club, inviting C. S. Lewis to be the first president of what was, perhaps, the most vibrant forum for religious debate in twentieth-century Oxford. For much of the twentieth century St Aldate’s Church was the base for the Pastorate’s ministry with the Revd Dr Michael Green leading a team of chaplains in hugely effective evangelistic ministry through the 1970s and 80s.
Since the beginning of the twenty-first century, one of the biggest changes at Oxford University has been the growth in the postgraduate student body from around two thousand to ten thousand, more than half of the total number of students being matriculated each year. The postgraduate community is now one of the most vibrant, variegated and dynamic groups in Oxford and it is these women and men the Pastorate now serves.
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June 2022
The Stella Aldwinckle Series - first discussion event bringing postgrads & ECRs across disciplines and faith together.
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September 2021
Flourishing Life - Partnership with St Clement Church, funded by the Diocese of Oxford.
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March 2019
We host the first 'Catalysing Postgraduate Ministry across Europe' conference at New College
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September 2017
Partnership with the McDonald Agape Foundation provides funding for a McDonald Chaplain
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2014
The Templeton World Charity Foundation funds new projects on character and leadership
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2008
The Bishop of Oxford, John Pritchard, commissions Chaplains to work with postgraduates
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1981
The ministry thrives under the leadership of the Revd Dr Michael Green at St Aldate’s Church
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1941
The Pastorate starts the Socratic Club, inviting C. S. Lewis to be its first senior member
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1913
The first chaplain, Revd Henry Gibbon, welcomes 1,600 students into his home
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1893
The Oxford Evangelical Pastorate is founded at the instigation of Bishop F.J. Chavasse
Vacancies
Events Administrator (Part Time) position now open with Developing A Christian Mind (DCM) and the Oxford Pastorate. Become an active member of a dynamic small team inspiring postgrads and faculty to integrate their Christian faith and their scholarship through conferences and events. 1-2 days working from home or in a shared office in Oxford.
Flexible start date between July-September 2024. Apply by Fri 28 June, for further details see here.
This role sits within the Oxford Pastorate, and involves working on our contracted work with DCM.
Events Administrator (Part Time) position now open with Developing A Christian Mind (DCM) and the Oxford Pastorate. Become an active member of a dynamic small team inspiring postgrads and faculty to integrate their Christian faith and their scholarship through conferences and events. 1-2 days working from home or in a shared office in Oxford.
Flexible start date between July-September 2024. Apply by Fri 28 June, for further details see here.
This role sits within the Oxford Pastorate, and involves working on our contracted work with DCM.