Bishop Michael was fully immersed in the typical life of the university as he enjoyed a full tour of the campus with the University Chaplain, Nigel Rawlinson. He met students, staff, members of the sports training village and spent time in the mechanical engineering department. He also had lunch with students and the Chaplaincy team, before meeting with University Vice Chancellor, Ian White.
Nigel said of Bishop Michael’s visit, “It was absolutely brilliant. Many people, in many areas of university life around the campus, were blessed by the visit of the bishop. He was able to pray in different locations; he prayed with the staff of the mechanical engineering department, the Vice Chancellor, and he prayed with the students. It was great to see him engaging with everybody and having a laugh as he walked through the university.”
The chaplaincy was opened just a few years after Bath University was officially opened and is funded by local churches. Chaplaincy is for staff and students and is run all the year round, not just term time. Bishop Michael joined the team and a group of students for their regular soup lunch. Nigel said, “Bishop Michael was introduced to the philosophy of the chaplaincy, which is essentially a ministry of presence all chaplains work non-denominationally and are present for students and staff of all faiths and those of no faith. It is a rich mission opportunity; it builds on relationships. The underlying foundation is that we are we are seeking Christian unity.”
The chaplaincy building, funded by local churches, opened just a few years after the university's establishment. Operating year-round for both staff and students, it extends beyond term time. Bishop Michael joined the team at the chaplaincy for their regular soup lunch with students and was given a tour of the campus to get an idea of day-to-day life at the univeristy. The tour encompassed University Parade, the gardens, and lake. It meant he was able to stop and chat with people along the way. He was introduced to athletes from the sports training village and international students who are studying at the university.