Chaplains can be found in hospitals, prisons, schools, the workplace, shopping centres, the police and the military. Some are paid and many are volunteers; in some places the chaplaincy team is made up of people from different denominations and/or faiths.

The diocese has paid chaplains in universities and for the deaf community, but many more members of churches volunteer as chaplains, contributing to a Christian presence (a pastoral and a praying presence) outside of church buildings.

Chaplains and Missioners have rather different roles. Chaplains are a witness to the gospel, a loving presence, particularly to those with questions, concerns, or needs; Missioners more actively seek to bring the gospel message to others and to help others hear the good news. Both have integrity at the heart of what they do, both roles are in response to the call of God to love as He loves us.

General Duties

Whilst the role of a chaplain may vary within different contexts, the core of the duties carried out by chaplains remains the same. In essence, our chaplains:

• Are independent of the institutions

• Take people's beliefs seriously, whatever they may be, to help them on their spiritual journey

• Be a source of confidential support and offer a safe space to talk

• Lead worship

• Organise opportunities for learning and sharing about the Christian faith

• Help build community

• Promote opportunities for interfaith dialogue and build community cohesion 

• Refer people to more specialised support when appropriate.

University chaplains

There are chaplains in our universities of Bolton, Manchester and Salford, who assist the 100,000 students and 20,000 staff members. They are helped enormously in our work by colleagues from different Christian denominations, honorary Anglican chaplains and a team of advisers from the other great faiths of the world.

The chaplaincies value diversity and promote respect for different beliefs. They are available to all, both students and staff, regardless of race, belief, religion, gender, disability, marital status, social class, age or sexual preference. The chaplains are there to ensure an Anglican Christian presence across the campuses.

Prison chaplains

Prison chaplains can be found in institutions across Manchester, working with staff, prisoners and their families to support their pastoral needs in whatever faith they might be. Greeting new arrivals, liaising with multi-disciplinary teams, and visiting prisoners are some of the duties carried out by prison chaplains, who provide a spiritual aspect to life for anyone who wishes to access it.

Chaplains support student faith groups like the Student Christian Movement and the Christian Union and enrich students' time at university through programmes and activities.

Since the task of chaplaincy to such large numbers of people is so great, chaplains need the support of local churches to ensure students have access to pastoral support and Christian worship. Whether students live in halls of residence or in private accommodation, local churches have a vital role to play.

If your church wants to know how to reach out to the nearby student population, please don't hesitate to contact your local chaplain.

For a list of all our chaplains, please visit the Online Directory.

Chaplaincy in action

Prisons Week: the life of a chaplain

'A View Behind Bars' - Reflections from a Prison Chaplain

A chaplain's companion

Contact our chaplains