Celebrating 34 years of Newcastle City Centre Chaplaincy
The following explanation of our work has changed very little in 30 years and will give you an insight to our role and purpose. We realise this does not encompass all we do and may not answer all your questions. In fact part of our job is to ask questions and sometimes awkward ones.
Our work is always open to change and challenge so please feel free to contact us at anytime.
The Chaplaincy was established in 1976 as an ecumenical venture supported by the City Centre Churches of all denominations; it is based at St Andrew's Church Annexe, Newgate Street, Newcastle upon Tyne.
Its ministry is to the commuters who work in the city centre: in the shops and offices, department stores and banks, local government and many other places of work.
The Aims of the Chaplaincy
- To learn the nature of commerce, business and other City-based institutions and firms and to understand the effects of City working life on individuals and on groups.
- To share the insights of Christian belief and faith in the life and stresses of the City centre.
- To minister to the needs of individuals and groups within the City.
- To work with others toward a more humane society.
General Approach
The Chaplain is neither a part of Management nor Staff nor Union but is present only at the invitation of all concerned. The Chaplain’s role is ecumenical and it should be apparent that the Chaplain is not acting for any single denomination and is aware of our multi-faith context.
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The Role of the Chaplain
From what is written above, it will be apparent that the Chaplain’s role is not so much to be seen in “talking religion” as in supporting and encouraging the fullest involvement with everyday life, in a creative and positive way. We operate in three principal areas and at all levels:
- Department stores, shops and retail organisations.
- Business generally, including the business professions and financial institutions.
- Local government, in particular the Civic Centre and the public services such as the Police.
The work includes:
- Visiting stores on a regular basis and other places of business as opportunity affords. Talking with and listening to people. These visits include Eldon Square, John Lewis, Monument Mall, the Theatre Royal, Newcastle Building Society, the Civic Centre, Nexus, The Gate, our Law Courts and the Emergency Services.
- Taking part in training courses such as Equality and Diversity.
- Membership of policy discussion groups.
- Establishing and maintaining a presence within organisations that are a part of the City’s business and commercial life.
- Creating opportunities for people to meet informally across the boundaries of their own occupations.
- Arranging discussion groups at the Chaplaincy and elsewhere to share ideas on specific issues of common interest.
- Fostering interest among Christians of all denominations and supporting them. Working with people of other faiths. Asking "how does my faith relate to my work?"
- Co-operating with others in arranging conferences or other meetings for the benefit of commerce and industry.
- Caring for people in need from the City Centre and providing them with practical help. We have worked on projects involved with homeless people, ex-drug users and prostitution in the city.
- Addressing organisations and other interested groups on the work of the Chaplaincy, and we’re not boring - promise.
Management Committee and Trustees
This is a group of people involved in the life of the City Centre; its role is supportive and advisory but also includes assistance in finding sources of finance. The present Chair is Mary Coyle.
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