Royal Holloway welcomed Revd Daniel Walker as its new Anglican Chaplain at the beginning of the month in a service held in the university’s beautiful chapel.
The service celebrated the licensing of Daniel in his new role by the Venerable Martin Breadmore, Archdeacon of Dorking.
Surrounded by friends and family, Daniel also got a personal welcome from Professor Julie Sanders, Vice-Chancellor and Principal of Royal Holloway.
“It was a delight to license Daniel in his new role.” Says Martin. “The ministry our university chaplains offer to students and staff alike is second to none. I am particularly inspired by their determination to be available to all and to seize every opportunity to engage with those they walk alongside.”
Having previously held the role of Assistant Curate at St Margaret of Antioch in Lee and leading the church through a year of vacancy, this is not necessarily Daniel’s first time into the realms of chaplaincy.
Before starting his curacy Daniel worked as a Student Worker with a church in the Diocese of Southwark and at London Southbank University.
“University chaplaincy is something I've always been drawn to ever since I was a student.” Daniel shares. “My own experience of the chaplaincy at university was immensely positive, life-affirming and encouraging to my adult faith.”
The Royal Holloway incorporates chaplaincy as part of its Wellbeing Team and takes religion and spirituality very seriously. The university sees them as integral parts of its students’ overall health and well-being.
“I honestly don't think I've ever known a campus to be so positive about faith and chaplaincy.” Says Daniel. “The University is very diverse, engaged in current affairs, committed to its student body, and has an immense presence of harmony and kindness. All of these reasons, and many more, were what drew me here.
“I'm very excited about getting stuck into student ministry and being creative. Chapel services, pastoral support, inter-faith events, setting up small groups and prayer services, and being a visible Christian presence on campus. God is clearly at work in the life of Royal Holloway and I'm grateful to have been called here to be part of it.”
Daniel becomes the latest member to join the Multi-Faith Chaplaincy team at the University of London’s Royal Holloway campus.
Please pray for Daniel as he begins. Pray for strength, peace, inspiration, for God's Spirit to lead the way and, of course, for all the thousands of students.