About the Chaplaincy

About the Chaplaincy

Firstly, the Multi-Faith Chaplaincy is here to support students and staff in any way we can. Whether that's by providing you with some coffee or by having a one on one chat. We're not just here for Christians, which is a common misconception. We're here for everyone regardless of whether they have a faith or not, for all genders, races, religions.

The Chaplaincy serves as a spiritual and social centre for students and staff, and offers space for groups to meet, worship, share meals, discuss and build bridges with the rest of the community.

If you or someone you know in the University community is in hospital, please tell us! We are glad to visit. Being in hospital can be a vulnerable time and we do not want anyone to feel neglected. The role of the Chaplains is to offer care to any member of the University community: staff or students. We rely on you to help us to care. As with any concern, appropriate confidentiality is maintained.

Chaplaincy Team

The following people are all at your disposal should the need arise. Drop in anytime for coffee, tea, or a chat - we'll do our best to help you out where possible.

Rev Marylee Anderson

Chaplain to the University

Rev Marylee Anderson

Email: m.anderson@abdn.ac.uk

Tel: 01224 272137

Mrs Gillian Cursiter

 Administration Co-ordinator


Mrs Gillian Cursiter

Email: g.cursiter@abdn.ac.uk

Tel: 01224 272137

 Mr Stuart Muir

Director of Chapel & Ceremonial Music

Mr Stuart Muir

Email: stuart.muir@abdn.ac.uk

Tel: 01224 273922

 

Denominational Chaplains and Faith Representatives

You can make an appointment to speak to Rev Marylee Anderson, Chaplain to the University.

If you would like to contact someone specifically from your own faith, our Honorary Chaplains are available from many different faiths. You can find a list of them below. We can contact someone from your own practice or faith for you or give you directions and contact details for different faith groups and churches.

If you do not see your faith represented here, please let us know as we hold details of many more churches and faiths in Aberdeen.

There are also many active student Faith Societies based at the University, you can find them on the Students' Union pages.

Chaplain to the University

Honorary Chaplains and Faith Representatives

Rev Gary Smith

Baptist
Rev Gary Smith
ctbcpastor@gmail.com

Sujan Bhante

Buddhist
Sujan Bhante
sujan.maharjan@abdn.ac.uk

Church of Scotland
Rev Sarah Brown
sarah.brown@churchofscotland.org.uk


 

 

 

Hindu
Madhuri Thakur
madhuri.thakur@abdn.ac.uk
 

Jewish
Eliran Shabo
eliran@mychaplaincy.co.uk

Ayalah Shapira-Shabo
ayalah@mychaplaincy.co.uk

Rev Dr James Garnett

Methodist 
Rev Dr James Garnett
james.garnett@abdn.ac.uk

Imam Ibrahim Alwawi

Muslim
Imam Ibrahim Alwawi
imamibrahim.alwawi@abdn.ac.uk

Nicolle Sturdevant

Pagan
Nicolle Sturdevant
nicolle.sturdevant@abdn.ac.uk

Dr Martin Barker

Quaker
Dr Martin Barker
m.barker@abdn.ac.uk

Sr Claire Theophane

Roman Catholic
Sr Claire Theophane
sr.clairetheophane@gmail.com

Fr Emmet O’Dowd

Roman Catholic

Fr Emmet O’Dowd
eod@rcda.scot

Rev Dr Duncan Heddle

Scottish Episcopal (Anglican)
Rev Dr Duncan Heddle
d.heddle@abdn.ac.uk

Shamanism, a Nature-based Spirituality
Sha’yo Lai
sha’yo.lai@abdn.ac.uk

Link to Blog

 

How to support us?

The Multi-Faith Chaplaincy plays a vital role at the University of Aberdeen in supporting both students and staff throughout their time with us. We aim to develop academic, social and spiritual aspects of higher education in members of our community while also providing support for those who may be struggling with life events, studies, unexpected losses or conflicts, relationships or are simply trying to fit everything together.

We provide a range of services to the University community, from one-on-one support and a listening ear, to events and activities for students to connect with others, relax and unwind. We are here for everyone as an oasis on campus for all.

Our Multi-Faith Chaplaincy welcomes a great deal of students and student societies and groups each week. Unfortunately, our building is showing its age. If you would like to donate and help us welcome, care and support an ever growing and evolving multi-cultural and multi-faith campus population, we would greatly appreciate your support. 

Please follow this link to donate

On the form, in the drop-down menu please choose ‘other’ and then write in ‘Chaplaincy'.