University chaplaincy celebrates 50th anniversary

• Aston University chaplaincy marks 50 years of delivering pastoral care
• 12 months of celebration activities and events to be launched on Martin Luther King Day (MLK Day)
• MLK Day is a federal holiday in the USA to mark the birthday of Martin Luther King

The chaplaincy team at Aston University is celebrating 50 years of delivering pastoral care with a series of celebration events and activities being launched on Monday 17 January to coincide with Martin Luther King (MLK) Day.

Martin Luther King Day is a federal holiday in the United States to mark the birthday and honour the achievements of Martin Luther King Jr who advocated the use of non-violent means to end racial segregation.

The Aston University chaplaincy team, based at the Martin Luther King Multi-Faith Centre on the University campus, offers pastoral and spiritual guidance, prayer, support and friendship to all – regardless of background.

Chaplains are also available to any group concerned with issues of a religious, international, social or political dimension which wishes to explore - like Martin Luther King - the great themes of justice, peace, mutual understanding and the search for the meaning of life.

The chaplains, drawn from different religions and denominations, work together in an atmosphere of inter-religious understanding and cooperation. Alongside other support services in the University, their purpose is to assist all staff and students whether they profess a religious belief or not.

Jan Scott, Christian chaplain and spokesperson for the team, said:

“The next few months are intended to celebrate the 50th anniversary, looking back on the history of the chaplaincy and how it has developed over the last 50 years.

“We want to use it as an opportunity to connect and reconnect with individuals, groups and organisations who have links to the chaplaincy, as a chance for reflection on how to continue to support staff and students of any and all faiths and no faith, and to look forward and set a vision for the chaplaincy for 2022 and beyond.”