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Meet the team

Chaplains

Tom Bacon

Christian, non-denominational

I studied at Edge Hill in the early 2000s and was heavily involved in student life – particularly in the running of the Christian Union. I fell in love with the Ormskirk area, and settled down, becoming heavily involved with Ormskirk Christian Fellowship and some of the local churches. I’ve always had a passion for my campus and acted as a Student Link between my church and the student community for a number of years. It was while serving in that capacity that I met my wife, Fiona.

It’s my firm conviction that student life is a unique time, one of unlimited potential, when character is shaped and refined. As such, it’s been my privilege to support students in their development and growth, often helping them deal with sometimes quite intense personal issues. I still serve as part of Ormskirk Christian Fellowship’s wider leadership team, I’m an active lay preacher, and I help run Kids’ Church and Youth groups. In terms of my career, I’m a freelance writer who focuses on the television and entertainment industry.

Tom Bacon

Umar Ali

Muslim Chaplain

Umar has recently joined the Chaplaincy Team with over 20 years of experience working as an Imam in a local mosque. Umar will be on campus every Tuesday, 10am – 2pm, term time only.

Umar Ali
Muslim Chaplain

Rev. Justin Malewezi Jnr. 

Christian, Catholic

My name is Rev. Justin Malewezi Jnr. The word “Malewezi” means zebra stripes in Chichewa language. I was born and raised in Malawi, Africa. I am passionate about helping people reach their God-given potential by supporting them in life and faith. From a young age my father helped me to understand that as a community we need to look after each other and that every person in the society is valuable and should be respected. My vision is to help build communities in the United Kingdom and Africa that are centred on the love of God. Communities that show love through prayer and work.

As a chaplain, I hope to share time for prayer and reflection.  Time to be still for a moment, time to be spiritually centred. I welcome people of all faiths or no faith.

a headshot of Rev. Justin Malewezi Jnr

Manchester campus

Rev. Dave Lawson

Christian, Catholic

I have been a member of staff at Edge Hill University for ten years and in this time, I have seen this University grow and grow. My background is as a healthcare professional where I worked in operating theatres before joining the University full time as a Lecturer.  I am now a Senior Lecturer working across both Ormskirk and St James’ Campus in Manchester where I teach and support undergraduate and post graduate students.

As a permanent Deacon within the Catholic Church, I assist with two parishes in St Helens, namely St Austin’s and St Teresa’s, the Deanery of St Helens and Archdiocese of Liverpool.

Drawing on my own training and experience and as a member of the Catholic Chaplain’s in higher education, I am looking forward to supporting staff and students spiritually and pastorally as a newly appointed Chaplain at Edge Hill.

Dave lawson

Jewish Faith contact

Rabbi Shmuli Brown

Jewish

I was born in Manchester, studied in the UK and Israel, and was ordained by the Chief Rabbi of Israel in 2000. I worked in the Ukraine for nearly a decade establishing youth clubs across the former Soviet Union and then established a very successful publishing house in Dnepropetrovsk. I taught children, students and adults the Jewish way of life through formal and informal education

I moved with my family to Liverpool in the summer of 2010 to open the door of Judaism to all Jewish students and faculty at Liverpool Universities, and establish a Chabad House, a place where Jews of all backgrounds and degrees of observance can enjoy exploring their Jewish heritage in a warm, welcoming and non-judgemental environment.

Staff contributors

Dr Elke Weissmann

Buddhist

Elke runs a weekly guided meditation session every Wednesday 12pm in Seminar Room A in The Arts Centre.

Dr Elke Weissmann
Buddhist

Priyanka More and Esther Clarke
Christian

Priyanka and Esther run a weekly Christian Prayer and Bible Study Group every Monday 11.45am – 2pm in the Magnolia Room.

Please get in touch if you have any questions or need further information.

                                                                                                                            

clasped hands in prayer on top of a bible
Volunteering

Our Chaplains offer faith and pastoral support to the Edge Hill University community. The service they offer is from a multi-faith perspective, is confidential, and non-judgmental.

The Faith and Community Service is interested in taking applications from volunteers from faith groups not currently represented on the Chaplaincy Team. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer chaplain, the University would be happy to consider your application.

Contact us for more information