September 2018
University’s Chaplain leaving after 19 years
Revd Dr Colin Lawlor is leaving the University of Brighton to become Vicar of Waterlooville, north of Portsmouth.
Appointed Chaplain in 1999, Dr Lawlor had led the interdenominational chaplaincy team at the university, which is committed to the pastoral care of students and staff. He has been particularly keen that the chaplaincy should be available to offer support to those of any faith or none.
His new appointment, by the Bishop of Portsmouth, means he will leave the University sometime in August. He said: “It will be a big change after 19 years but I feel the need for a new, and different challenge.”
Professor Debra Humphris, the University’s Vice-Chancellor, said: “I am sure the entire University community will want to join me in thanking Colin for his invaluable service and dedication over the many years. We wish him the very best in his new appointment.”
Revd Lawlor was ordained Deacon in 1993 and served as Curate in the Moulsecoomb Team ministry and became Team Vicar of Coldean, Brighton, in 1997. He later became Priest in Charge of the Parish of Stanmer with Falmer, and he served for more than 10 years as a school governor to a federation of three special schools.
His research interests concern the history of Judaism, Christianity and Islam. He was awarded a Doctorate of Education from the University of Brighton in 2011 for "The construction of Islam in Religious Education at Key Stages 3 and 4.”
Revd Lawlor has lectured and has published a book on the construction of Islam in Religious Education: “My interest in Islam has naturally fuelled a belief that inter-faith dialogue is crucial in generating respect, empathy and understanding in multi-faith Britain.”
From 2012, he served as Rector for the Diocesan branch of the Society of Catholic Priests, a society which affirms the ordained ministry of men and women as priests and deacons and bishops. He also represents Brighton Deanery on the Diocesan Synod.
“My ministry at the University has taught me that many young people are deeply spiritual and often searching, but have had no religious upbringing and often lack any real understanding of ‘faith’, or indeed any sense of religious literacy.”
As for education, he said: “Education is something about which I am passionate, believing that learning should be a life-long activity for us all.”
