Faith Seeking Understanding
In 2023, the Parochial Church Council approved a new Vision to help articulate our shared understanding of the life and ministry of the University Church, and to ensure that our resources were directed to further our mission and ministry.
We took as our inspiration the words of St Anselm of Canterbury, 'Faith Seeking Understanding'. As we reflected together and in conversation with our partners and neighbours across the city, five clear accents of our mission as a community began to emerge:
1. The Desire for God
We seek to encounter the transforming presence of God in prayer and worship with dignified liturgy and beautiful music.
2. The Love of Learning
We seek to animate the renewal of the church through the love of learning, fostering lives of faithful and intelligent Christian witness, promoting religious literacy, and engaging with the intellectual life of the University.
3. The Joy of Hospitality
We seek to build up a vibrant and inclusive community, building partnerships across the University, promoting good relations with our ecumenical partners and other faith communities, and welcoming the many visitors to our city.
4. The Cry for Justice
We seek to respond to human need by seeking justice, promoting opportunities for service, and working with people of all good will to promote equality, diversity, and inclusion.
5. The Care of Creation
We seek to safeguard the integrity of creation, working with partner organisations to sustain and renew the life of the earth.
The Vision and Strategy document approved by the Parochial Church Council sets out ten clear priorities, which provide a framework for our decision making and our shared understanding of the mission and ministry of our parish.
