teis
Despite the riches of our parishes, congregations, and theological education sector, attentive listening to the voices of those we are called to serve requires honesty about the sense of anxiety, pressures on resources both in terms of time and finance, the crisis in clergy wellbeing, the hurt felt by both GMH and LGBTQIA+ people, and uncertainty for TEIs about their viability and future.
I have seen this same desire for a solid grounding in experience of those I have taught in residential and non-residential TEIs, matched by the energy and enthusiasm of tutors and staff, despite a backdrop of a lack of resources inhibiting proper formation and a general sense of uncertainty for the University-TEI sector; a strong voice for University-TEIs is needed now more than ever as the review of theological education takes place.
Supporting TEIs and the vocational process, encouraging vocations that reflect the people of God and offering a strong voice for theological education across our diverse pathways.
In the next Synod there is likely to be a major review of funding to TEIs and the challenge of how to balance distinctive traditions, with comprehensive preparation for a changing Church of England, and falling numbers of ordinands.
I’ve served on General Synod before (from 2013 – 2017, representing first Northern Universities and then [after the constituencies were revised] Universities and TEIs), and being something of a nerd, I really enjoyed it!
As a representative of the Universities and TEIs constituency, I would seek to support the theological engagement of Synod, including by drawing on my theological work as an ethicist with interests including economic life and the moral anthropology of trust.
Educational Institutions (TEIs)
Within the church, I’ve nurtured a number of vocations to ordained ministry; trained 5 curates; mentored new clergy, and maintained an interest in clergy education and wellbeing, not least as a reviewer of TEIs.
The first is the importance of greater investment in theological education, which relies upon strong relationships between the Church, TEIs and universities, and which should be an essential part of formation for ordained and lay ministries.
As Synod prepares to receive the Review of TEIs in this Quinquennium I am well placed to understand and interrogate that.
It’s been a privilege to serve as one of your Universities and TEIs reps on General Synod from 2021 to 2026, and I’m delighted to be standing for re-election for the new quinquennium.
This has been informed by my role as a current trustee of Ridley Hall, Cambridge, and Wycliffe Hall, Oxford, and by my passion for seeing renewed and revitalised TEIs, which train, form and teach men and women for contemporary ministry.
I care about the future of ministry formation — TEIs are under pressure with fewer ordinands, rising costs and struggles to meet the demands of the church as well as ensuring well rounded formation.
• Advocating for TEIs
I would argue for generous and sustained investment in TEIs of all kinds, so that future clergy and lay leaders have sufficient theological and spiritual formation to lead with creativity and confidence in their local contexts.
I work closely with several TEIs by sending ordinands to them and regularly taking on placement students.
I’ll work in synod to ensure that the funding of our TEIs is sustainable and to ensure that our theological education is meeting the needs of today’s church.
General Synod 2021-2026 (Universities and TEIs) during which time I have been an ex officio member of the Principals’ Steering Group (of which I became convenor earlier this year).
Track record of representing TEIs
advocate for TEIs, and to comment on how particular proposals might affect us and our students.
education to build awareness amongst Synod members of the work of TEIs.
My Diocesan Bishop has gently pushed me to consider this as he was previously Chair of the TEIs and was elected to General Synod for similar reasons.
During my ordination training I sat on the National Ordinands Association board, where we addressed inconsistencies in financial/maintenance support across the TEIs leading to financial hardship for some.
I am a senior reviewer (for the House of Bishops) of TEIs (theological colleges & courses) and was elected to the General Synod in 2015 and therefore am standing for a third (and final!) time.
I have worked with and in all our Cambridge TEIs and through my work as a lead reviewer have built up a wide knowledge of the sector.
Yet TEIs are under increasing pressure, and ordinands frequently have comparatively little contact time for theological education.