‘Nurturing Faith; Transforming Lives’ The Second National School Chaplaincy Conference Liverpool Hope University Hope Park Campus June 2013

ALL TOGETHER? LEADING WORSHIP IN A MULTI-FAITH SCHOOL led by The Revd Simon Paul (EDEN 102) “Why do we have to go to Chapel?” “I am a Muslim why do I have to go to Christian chapel services?” How can we, as school chaplains, hold out on the one hand against the tide of secularism and on the other against an increasingly divided world of faith?

Aim:  To explore some of the issues facing school chaplains, issues which challenge our position and what many of us feel is the central unity of our school communities.  To provide thoughtful answers as to how we can unite our communities in an increasingly divided world where faith in God is seen as either ridiculous or disseminated via one particular faith tradition.

1. What is the pattern of worship in your school? How often do your pupils attend Chapel? Do all pupils attend, or do some have separate worship according to their faith tradition?

2. What is your school like?  Number of ethnic minorities  Number from ‘religious’ backgrounds  Number of ‘Christian’ families

3. What is the place of Chapel in the life of the school? What is the vision of your school – if it has one? What priority is given to Chapel? What is your vision for the role that you play in the school?

Vision for Chapel Chapel is the place of unity where everyone has time to think and reflect upon the big issues of life. Chapel is the only place, apart from assembly, when the whole school comes together. Chapel is the place of challenge where accepted norms in society are put under the spotlight. Chapel is a place where all feel at home whatever their religious background. Chapel is a place of inspiration where hopes and dreams are born and we determine to make the world a better place. Chapel is a place of comfort at times of bereavement, distress, loneliness and hurt. Chapel is the place where we find answers to the unanswerable.

4. How? Use a variety of speakers from different faith backgrounds and those with no faith. Don’t be afraid of ideas different from your own, students have a great capacity to make up their own minds. Refer to the teaching of other religions which often support the point that you want to make. Be inclusive with points that apply to everyone. Realise the difficult areas. Trinity: Difficult for Jews and Muslims. But Trimurti good links with Hindus. Avoid Christocentric hymns except at times when you are celebration Christian festivals. Festivals: Celebrate Christmas / Easter more easily if you celebrate other the festivals of other faith. Use the spiritual leadership among the student body.

5. Liturgy