At the Universities Chaplaincy in Leeds we have lots of chaplains from many different denominations and church traditions.
On this page you can read profiles of our Chaplains and Student Outreach Workers and get to know us all a little more!
Chaplains
Our Chaplains
ROBIN FISHWICK
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Robin Fishwick first came to Emmanuel Church as a member of its choir in 1979. He was a Roman Catholic back then and became a Quaker in 1989, so he knows something about ecumenical diversity. He is the senior Quaker Chaplain and is also Co-ordinating Chaplain.
As well as Breathe, Robin is also involved in Unity Events and the Inspired Music Nights. Robin is also a keen environmentalist, a singer, songwriter, musician and ceilidh caller.
Robin serves as the Quaker representative on the committee of the Churches Higher Education Liaison Group.
Emmanuel Centre G.10
0113 343 5073
REVD. TIM NICHOLLS
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“I have just joined the Chaplaincy team as the Methodist Chaplain starting in September 2023. I am returning to Leeds, having read Theology and Religious Studies at the University between 1997-2000. I can well remember how exciting, but also daunting it was to leave home and move to a strange city. I loved being a student in Leeds, it is a great place to be a student, and I am thrilled to be able to offer something back to a City that gave me so much.
I was for 11 years running Charities and organisations tackling homelessness and extreme poverty in London. I trained for the Ministry at Wesley House in Cambridge. For the past ten years I have been the minister of churches in Wythenshawe, South Manchester and then in Canterbury, Kent.
As a chaplain, I am here for you, when you need a listening ear. I am available to offer pastoral care and support for students and staff and encourage them to explore what role faith, spirituality and worship might have in their lives.
The Chaplaincy spaces are safe places to build relationships with people of different faith traditions and none. They are centres for exploring justice, peace and solidarity.
I love to spend time watching cricket, playing golf badly, and reading History.
I am married to Hazel, who is a primary school teacher. We have one son, who is just starting at nursery”
Leeds Beckett Headingley campus, PRG13
0113 812 2010
Fr MARC HOMSEY
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Hi, I’m the Catholic chaplain for the universities in Leeds. I started working at the chaplaincy in 2019.
Having grown up in Kent, I came to Leeds to study at Trinity & All Saints College (now Leeds Trinity University). I graduated from the University of Leeds and worked as a primary school teacher before realising that God was calling me to the priesthood. I’ve studied at seminaries in Spain and in Rome, and was ordained priest in July 2014. I’m also the chaplain to Leeds Trinity University in Horsforth, as well as the director of the youth service for the Diocese of Leeds – let me know if you’d like to be involved with any youth events!
Whilst I was born in England, my parents are Egyptian and Armenian Lebanese. I speak French at home, and have also learnt Italian and (some!) Spanish.
I’m excited to continue my ministry in the chaplaincy. I look forward to meeting as many of you as possible and getting to know you. I’m happy to have chats about absolutely anything – whether it’s about the Catholic faith, about religion in general, or anything else, such as sport, film, music, or any other interests you may have – no questions are off limit!
Catholic Chaplaincy, 5-7 St Mark’s Avenue, off Woodhouse Lane.
uilcc@dioceseofleeds.org.uk
0113 243 8263
Ellie McCarthy
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Hello, I’m Ellie, the supporting Quaker chaplain. I have been a Quaker all my life but I love expanding my knowledge of other religions and faith experiences.
Most of my working life has been in education, working with children and young people in schools, museums and at Quaker events. In my spare time I enjoy music, cooking and ultimate frisbee.
I normally work on Tuesdays, so do come and chat, ask questions about Quakerism and spirituality, and have a cup of tea!
LAURENCE PUSEY
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Laurence is our longest serving chaplain and indeed has been working in Leeds University mission since coming to the city in 1974 with Agapé – a group which specialises in outreach to universities.
Helping with the International Student Club is a main part of his work and this has led to mission trips to Uganda and Nigeria.
Laurence trained in Fine Art and a painting by him of the Yorkshire Regiment can be seen in the Leeds Civic Hall.
Emmanuel Centre G.05
0113 3437518
KIM CHAN
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Hi, I am Kim, a Chinese person born in Malaysia and living in England. I love life and like travelling. I have been to quite a few places in the world and have been in UK since I came from Malaysia as a student. I understand the longing for adventure and finding out more about life.
I have been settled in England for a number of years, bringing up my children and grandchildren with my husband Johnny. I have also worked in a few different organisations so I know the culture of the British as well as the culture of S.E. Asia. I love to make new friends, so I am looking forward to meeting you at the Chaplaincy or somewhere in the campus.
Emmanuel Centre G.08
0113 343 7518
DAVID GILL
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Father David has had a career in medicine, having been a physician in Tanzania and a consultant psychiatrist in Nottingham. David was ordained in the Anglican Church in 1981, subsequently becoming an Orthodox priest, a position he has enjoyed for 22 years.
David follows the Russian tradition of the Orthodox Church but welcomes people of all traditions to liturgy as well as those wanting to learn about faith.
David is available in Leeds for face-to face meetings during the second weekend of every month except July and August. Members of his congregation in Leeds are very happy to support Orthodox members of the universities’ communities at other times.
0115 962 2351
DAVID-EPHREM BERRYMAN
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In many ways, being part of the Chaplaincy as an Orthodox makes for the most fulfilling ministry I have experienced. When a Priest in the Church of England I worked in a variety of parishes from suburban to inner-city where I saw the effects of deprivation.
I have also started a chaplaincy in an FE College and been a Royal Navy Chaplain for 6 years, fortunately most of them at sea. I have a lot of respect for service personnel although I am much closer to pacifism these days.
At the centre of my week is prayer, either in my small garden Chapel or at the Chaplaincy, with of course at weekly the Holy Liturgy.
I am passionately against racism and for the breaking down of barriers and the building of bridges. Inter-faith relations is an important part of my life.
I am concerned about the rise of nationalism and intolerance in so many countries, including the UK, and see the Universities as beacons of hope.
Emmanuel Centre Room G.05
REV.SAMANTHA SHEEHAN
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Samantha is a minister within the United Reformed Church (URC) and has recently joined the Chaplaincy team. She grew up in Stockport, before moving to Sheffield to train for paediatric nursing. After qualifying Samantha worked for a short time within the Operating Department.
During this time she felt God’s call to ministry and so moved to Cambridge and completed for ministerial training at Westminster College.
She was ordained in 2015 and began her ministry in Gravesend, Kent.
As well as working at the Chaplaincy, Samantha is also exploring how congregations within the URC engage with young people.
I don’t have all the answers, but if you fancy a cuppa and a chat we can try and find some of them together.
Email: S.Sheehan@leeds.ac.uk
ERIC SUEN
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I arrived in the UK to study in 1990 when I was a teenager. First I was in Bradford then the University of Leeds so I am an alumni. Though we are different in age, still our life journeys probably have many things in common. I speak Mandarin, Cantonese and English.
0113 343 5071
RYAN LINDSEY
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Since becoming a Christian while at university, Ryan has spent more than 20 years actively involved in university student ministry by helping those spiritually curious to explore what Christianity is and asks of us, to more intentional spiritual leadership development and the discipleship of Christian students. This passion eventually lead to him completing an M.Div with emphasis in University Student Ministry. After which he and his wife moved to Colorado to start a fresh expression of ministry on a university campus which focused on personal exploration and development over group responsiveness.
Ryan moved to Leeds with his family in 2012 to work with various groups that minister to university students. He officially joined the University Chaplaincy team in 2018 after several years of volunteering. An avid coffee drinker, Ryan is always up for a cup of Joe and chat. Other hobbies that fill his days are BBQ, films, weights, and Rugby League.
When one looks at the way Jesus spent much of his time they will see that he made frequent friends with those who were not very religious but were authentic about who they were and the questions they had. In that same spirit, Ryan enjoys meeting those who are not unengaged in Christian community but seek answers to whatever questions they might have.
“I find many people would like to ‘date Jesus’ and explore Christianity prior to making an eternal commitment to Him. Allow me to make an introduction.”
Emmanuel Centre Office G.05
REV. JOSEPH NELSON
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Hi, my name is Joseph and I’m the Lutheran Chaplain for the universities in Leeds. I started in this role at the beginning of 2023. Along with my job at the chaplaincy I work part time as a parish priest for our small Lutheran congregation in Leeds and as a chaplain to a Methodist Homes (MHA) retirement living scheme.
As happens with so many people I moved to Leeds as a student in 2016 and have never left!
Alongside my work I am nearing the end of a Master’s by Research and so can definitely sympathise with the stress of assignments.
I love chatting about the deeper things in life and learning about different people’s stories no matter where they come from or who they are. Much of my chaplaincy work in retirement living has been with people who are not very religious or Christian but just want someone to chat to about what it means to be human today and where they are at with life, or God, or just to have someone to talk to about their mental health.
Outside of work my favourite pastimes are reading, coffee, and videogames.
Feel free to pop by and say hi!
Email j.nelson1@leeds.ac.uk
REV. FOLUSO ENWEREM
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Hi, I’m the Chaplain for International Students (pronouns she / her / hers). I was born and brought up in London and first came to Leeds as a student to study French and Italian. Over the years I’ve had opportunities to study and work abroad, so have experienced some of the joys and challenges of navigating life in a different country, culture and language.
I’m an ordained Church of England priest who embraces being with people in both the gift and challenge of life. I’m happy to chat and to listen – whether it’s about life, the universe and everything or something else! My hope and prayer is that international students will find their time in Leeds both enriching and enjoyable.