New Chaplain appointed by St John’s pledges to explore ‘faith and the big questions of life’
“He brings with him a wealth of pastoral and liturgical experience and a commitment to inclusivity and welcome”
The Assistant Curate at Hampstead Parish Church has been named as the next Chaplain of St John’s College in Cambridge.
The Rev’d Graham Dunn trained for ministry at Westcott House in Cambridge and took the Cambridge University Bachelor of Theology for Ministry as a member of Gonville & Caius College. He holds a BA (Hons) in English Language and Literature and an MA (Hons) in English Literature from King’s College London. Prior to training for ordination, The Rev’d Dunn worked for several years in public policy and external relations within Government and the private sector.
The Rev'd Dr Victoria Johnson, Dean of Chapel, said: “I am delighted that Graham will be taking up the role of Chaplain here at St John’s College. He brings with him a wealth of pastoral and liturgical experience and a commitment to inclusivity and welcome. We are looking forward to him joining the community and sharing in his wisdom.”
For more than 500 years, St John’s College has flourished as an independent and self-determining academic community, whose purposes are education, religion, learning and research.
Over those five centuries, St John’s has remained a place of reflection and learning on matters of religious faith, contributing an understanding and exploration of faith to enrich the wider intellectual life of the College.
The Chapel serves current members of the College, alumni, the wider University, and the public. It offers a place of worship, peace, comfort, and beauty, enriched by outstanding choral tradition provided by St John’s College Choir. There is a rich musical tradition in The Rev’d Dunn’s current parish, which has involved him working closely with the Director of Music, organist, organ scholar and professional, junior and community choirs.
The Rev’d Graham Dunn said: “I’m delighted to have been appointed as Chaplain of St John’s. I’m excited about returning to Cambridge to work alongside the Fellows, staff and students and to share in the life of the College community.
“I know how important the role of the Chapel is to the whole College and I look forward to playing my part in ensuring it is an inclusive space for everyone to explore faith and the big questions of life.”
“I will work with the wider team to further develop the life of the Chapel and to ensure it is a space in which students, staff and visitors encounter the life of faith in all its beauty, wonder and creativity, whatever their background”
Under the leadership of the Dean, the Chaplain and the Chapel and Choir team offer support for the spiritual and emotional wellbeing of all members of the College community, whatever their faith or if they have none. The Chapel creates opportunities for students to expand their intellectual and personal horizons, and to build the confidence and capacity to seize those opportunities as they progress in their studies and prepare for the world beyond university.
A new student programme on citizenship, faith and outreach is being developed by the Chapel team in support of the College’s commitment to broadening the horizons and understanding of St John’s students.
The Chaplain supports the provision of services, leads the celebration of divine service in the College Chapel in accordance with the rites of the Church of England and offers pastoral care.
The Rev’d Dunn, who has significant experience of leading and devising liturgy, added: “St John’s has a rich history and a major national and international reputation. It is a significant global centre of learning and, for its students, a key part in the shaping of the rest of their lives.
“As Chaplain, I will work with the wider team to further develop the life of the Chapel and to ensure it is a space in which students, staff and visitors encounter the life of faith in all its beauty, wonder and creativity, whatever their background.”
The Rev’d Graham Dunn will succeed The Rev’d Andrew Hammond who has been appointed as Vicar of Wymondham Abbey.
In his spare time, The Rev’d Dunn enjoys music, reading, theatre, travelling and cooking. He will join the St John’s community in October with his wife Anouk and their Cocker Spaniel, Collins.
Published 10/7/2024