A Toast to Success

Congratulations go out to two more of our PhD students who have each succeeded in gaining a Phd in their various subjects. This is great news to build on the best undergraduate results in the University from last year. We hope the end of this year is just as successful as well as wishing these now Doctors well in whatever they go on to do next. The photo features Michael Raubach (MCR president) Dr Rosemary Mitchell-Schuitevoerder (PhD translation studies), Dr Adam Willows (PhD theology), Angela Cook (Director of Finance and Administration) raise a glass at a recent gathering in the St John’s postgraduate centre to toast PhD successes.

(27 Feb 2015)

Two Canons in a Week

On Sunday, Revd Mark Tanner, Warden of Cranmer Hall was made a non-residentiary canon at Durham Cathedral and on Thursday Revd Prof David Wilkinson, Principal of the College will become the first Canon Scientist at St Albans Cathedral before giving his inangural lecture in the Lady Chapel of St. Alban's Cathedral asking 'How does God answer prayer in a scientific universe?'

Our congratulations go out to both of them. More information on David's lecture can be found by clicking here.

(23 Feb 2015)

The Borderlands Lecture

The Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu is to deliver the St John's Annual Borderlands Lecture entitled ‘God's Mission is Restorative Justice’.

The lecture will be delivered by the Archbishop on Friday 6^th March at 1pm at The Leech Hall, St John’s College. To book a place, or for more information, please contact Clare Towns at prin.exec@durham.ac.uk .

The Archbishop’s public lecture is part of his visitation to St John’s College at Durham University. During his visit, he will join morning prayers at the College and is to spend part of the morning with the Cranmer Ordinands. Later, he will also speak with College Officers, and is to have lunch with undergraduate and post graduate students. Following his lecture, the Archbishop will be meeting with tutors and senior University staff.

The Principal of St John’s, Revd Professor David Wilkinson comments, ‘The Borderlands Lecture explores how theology can be part of the dialogue concerning the big issues that face the world today. The Archbishop’s leadership both on robust Christian faith and on how such faith can make a key contribution to justice in the world makes him an ideal lecturer in this series. Further, the Archbishop’s active support of the work of the College in his role as Visitor is a tremendous encouragement to our work of scholarship, education and hospitality in a world class university’. 

(11 Feb 2015)

First Woman Bishop

(28 Jan 2015)

Unbroken: The Power of Forgiveness

(26 Jan 2015)

Post Formal Informal Lecture with Michael Bird

College’s most recent honorary fellow, Michael Bird, spoke to students and staff on insights on leadership from his long career in business. He has served as Managing Director of the Johnson Service Group and as Chief Executive of the North East Chamber of Commerce. 

(23 Jan 2015) » More about Post Formal Informal Lecture with Michael Bird

Equipping Christian Leadership in an Age of Science

The Templeton World Charitable Foundation have awarded a major three year grant to Revd Professor David Wilkinson, Professor Tom McLeish and Rt Revd Professor Richard Cheetham for an exciting and strategic project based at St John’s College, Durham University, which aims to transform the quality and increase the quantity of serious engagement with science amongst Christians in England.

(20 Jan 2015) » More about Equipping Christian Leadership in an Age of Science

David Wilkinson's Newest Paper

David Wilkinson has written an article published in the Scottish Journal of Theology entitled:

"Proofs of the divine power? Temple Chevallier and the design argument in the nineteenth century"

It explores the fascinating story of the first Professor of Astronomy appointed at Durham University in the 19th century, Temple Chevallier, who provides a strong corrective to the view that this century was characterised by the conflict of science and religion.

(12 Jan 2015)

Durham Homecoming for Archbishop Justin to Receive his Honorary Degree

The Archbishop of Canterbury, who studied at Cranmer Hall and was formerly Bishop of Durham, will receive an honorary degree this week (Friday January 9 2015) in recognition of his ministerial achievements and devotion to his parish communities.

Acting Vice-Chancellor of Durham University, Professor Ray Hudson, will present the Archbishop with an honorary Doctor of Divinity at a ceremony in Durham Cathedral, just metres from where he completed his vocational training at Cranmer Hall. 

Cranmer Hall is the Church of England’s single validation partner for the ordination training of its ministers across England, and is one of the few places in the world where vocational training is offered at an internationally respected level in Theology and Ministry from Certificate to Doctoral level.

(7 Jan 2015) » More about Durham Homecoming for Archbishop Justin to Receive his Honorary Degree

John's Carol Service

Last night saw over 400 members of St John’s College, gather in Durham Cathedral for the annual Carol Service. Many met in college and processed over together, singing as they went, to join others gathered in the cloisters for an atmospheric start to a wonderful service. We heard once again the amazing story of the first Christmas, beautifully read by different members of the College. The College Choir, Chapel Choir and musicians from Cranmer Hall, brought the Christmas story to life through music, as did the congregational signing ably accompanied by our organ scholars and brass players. The address was given my Miriam Swaffield, Student Mission Leader of Fusion, who challenged us to ponder what we might do if Jesus moved into the neighbourhood and came knocking on our front door. Afterwards Leech Hall was packed full of College members enjoying time together, and festive refreshments, the evening was a wonderful sign of the hope, love and light Christ brings to our world. 

(10 Dec 2014)