Faith & Reflection

Sharon Hartwell is our Free Church Chaplain and she represents, amongst others, the following denominations: Methodist, Baptist, United Reformed, Salvation Army and Quakers.

Sharon loves meeting new people and having a chat. You are very welcome to call into the Chaplaincy at any time during the day, her door is generally open. Sometimes she is out and about on campus so if she is not available just leave a note or email her at shartwell@bournemouth.ac.uk. During term time Sharon is on campus on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

"Recently I completed my MA in 'Theology of Family, Youth and Community'. Before becoming a University Chaplain much of my experience had been in working with young people and community development so I love being part of Bournemouth University life and community.

"I am married and have two teenaged children (plus usually a houseful of their friends). I also have a dog and two cats. Overall I think it is the cats that are in charge of the house!"

Sue Burt, the International Chaplain, is particularly responsible for welcoming and providing support to international students.

She works for the Christian organisation Friends International which seeks to provide welcome, hospitality and activities for international students of all faiths and of none. 

"I love travelling and find it fascinating to learn about different cultures. I have visited more than 40 countries and lived in France for a year. I have also done lots of study over the years so I know just how it feels to have all those assignment deadlines and dissertation proposals!

In Faith and Reflection we want to support international students. if you're feeling lonely, struggling to understand our culture, or you just want to chat about what's happening in your life (the good and the not so good), do come and see us. I'm at Bournemouth University on Wednesdays. You can always email me: sburt@bournemouth.ac.uk. Or come and meet me and other colleagues at Global Cafe - each Wednesday in term time, 5.00- 6.30 pm, 3rd floor Fusion Building. Come and enjoy free drinks and cookies and meet friends.

Tim helps run various groups including the postgraduate Christian fellowship, but also helps with the inter-faith groups and football. All faiths and none are welcome to join the groups.

Tim can often be found boiling the kettle in the Faith & Reflection kitchen - which is available and accessible for all students and staff.

"Feel free to say hello and my door is open on Wednesdays and Friday afternoons when I'm at BU, or you can contact me at peterst@bournemouth.ac.uk.

​

Rev'd Ruth Wells is a Priest in the Church of England and as well as working part-time in a local parish she works part-time for the Faith & Reflection team. She is normally around on Mondays and Wednesdays.

Ruth is a performance poet and is particularly drawn to using the arts as a way of finding soul nourishment. She is currently exploring beginning a PhD using poetics and theology. Ruth is really interested in how spirituality is worked out and connected to everyday life, and in how faith connects heart and head. She enjoys hearing people's stories - especially over a cup of coffee! 

She'd love to chat to you and hear your story too - you can contact her via email at rwells@bournemouth.ac.uk.

Rev’d Lewis Pearson is a Priest in the Church of England. Alongside working part-time as part of the Faith & Reflection team (normally Tuesdays and Thursdays) he works for a parish church in Poole Quay.

Lewis is currently studying for an MA in Theology, Imagination and Culture and loves exploring the ways in which popular culture and spirituality intersect. He is currently playing with the idea of creating a ‘Coldplay Mass’ which explores faith through the lens of their music. These interests come together each year at the reCreate Music and Arts Festival which he co-founded in 2012.

His office door is usually open, you’re very welcome to pop by for a chat or you can contact him via email at pearsonl@bournemouth.ac.uk.

Father Andrew Wagstaff is our Catholic Priest. He is on campus usually on a Wednesday afternoon at Talbot and on a Tuesday afternoon in BG04, Bournemouth House at Lansdowne Campus. All are welcome to join him in praying the Rosary at 2.30pm on Wednesdays in the Faith & Reflection centre. He also takes part in meetings of the BU Catholic Society: subucatholicsoc@bournemouth.ac.uk.

Father Andrew has been a member of the Congregation of the Oratory since 2012. The Oratory takes its inspiration from St Philip Neri (1515 - 1595), the saint of gentleness and kindness. St John Henry Newman brought the Oratory to England in 1848.

When he is not at the University, Father Andrew can be found at the Oratory Church in Bournemouth where he lives with the other Fathers of the Oratory. On Sunday evenings he hosts a discussion group for Catholics aged 18 - 35, and on Tuesday evenings he hosts a Bible Study, both in the St John Henry Newman Library.

Before joining the Oratory, Father Andrew practised as a barrister, and he is still interested in legal and bioethical issues and philosophy. His Master’s degree is in Biblical interpretation, and he has a research interest in the formation of the New Testament canon.​

Faith societies are a part of the Student Union (SUBU) that represent groups of students with a shared common interest. They are run by students, for students, and tend to have weekly meetings and social events. Any student can join a society that is affiliated to the Student Union. For a list of current faith societies visit SUBU Clubs & Societies page.

Catholic Society

Wednesdays, 3.30pm-4.30pm
subucatholicsoc@bournemouth.ac.uk
Catholic Society BU AUB Facebook group

​Christian Union

Universities of Bournemouth Christian Union Facebook page​

Islamic Society

Thursdays, 4.30pm-5.30pm
subuislamicsoc@bournemouth.ac.uk
bournemouthisoc@gmail.com
BU Islamic Society ​Facebook group

For more information contact SUBU on 01202 965765 or email subu@bournemouth.ac.uk