Announcing the appointment of the new Oxford Pastorate Chaplain
On 1st January 2024, Tim Maughan, Emeritus Professor of Clinical Oncology at the University of Oxford became the new Chair of the Trustees and Council of the Oxford Pastorate. His first task in post was to lead the recruitment process for the new Oxford Pastorate Chaplain. He writes the following:
"I am delighted to announce the appointment of Dr Bethan Willis as the new Oxford Pastorate Chaplain. Selected from a highly competitive field of outstanding applicants from every continent, Bethan showed a great vision for the future of the Pastorate. She was recognised by her predecessor as having all the skills needed and has therefore been Acting Oxford Pastorate Chaplain over the last few months. Bethan has spent nine years working with academics, researchers, and postgraduate students at Oxford University as well as contributing to programmes at other leading research institutions. The Council and Trustees look forward to working with her in developing her vision for the future of the ministry".
Bethan writes:
"It is a great privilege to have been appointed as the Oxford Pastorate Chaplain and to take on this role after the exceptional leadership of Jonathan Brant over the past fifteen years.
As we look ahead to a new phase in the Oxford Pastorate's 130-year history, I look forward to working with the Council, Trustees and staff in developing a clear vision for serving the extraordinary community of postgraduates and researchers in Oxford. At this particular cultural moment, it is an exciting opportunity to walk with the next generation of thinkers and leaders as they seek to be formed for service across the globe and engage in thinking through the crucial questions of our age.
I have no doubt that, alongside our partners, the Oxford Pastorate will continue to be a great blessing to the academic community in Oxford and beyond, acting as a faithful presence and witness to Jesus Christ in all we do".