Sarum College has strong connections to the diocese, and is for all to enjoy. It's situated in the heart of Salisbury Cathedral grounds, and hosts our Mission and Ministry team's office. The diocese also has close relationships with the staff of the college.
Established in 1994, the theological college describes itself as a sanctuary for everyone, where individuals can explore and study in an inclusive environment.
To find out more about this place of study and worship, we spoke to the College's Principal, The Revd Canon Professor James Woodward.
What is your background in?
"I was born and brought up in County Durham, becoming interested in religion through my sixth form studies at Grammar School. I was a regular member of my local church where I sang in the choir and helped with a large Sunday School."
James went on to read theology at King's College, London, before working for a year as a nursing auxiliary at St Christopher's Hospice in the capital. It was during this time, after much encouragement from others, that he offered himself for ordination and trained at Westcott house in 1983.
"I often say to people that I have never done a proper job – ordained at 24, I have served the church over the last 37 years in a number of ministries. I went back to Durham and was ordained as curate in the ex-steel town of Consett. Since then I have been Bishop's chaplain, a hospital chaplain, and served in parochial ministries for over 20 years."
In 2015, while a Canon of St George's Chapel in Windsor Castle, James decided to move roles to Sarum College.
What is your role at Sarum College? And what does it involve?
"I am Principal of Sarum College. I lead the College leadership team and hold responsibility for educational and hospitality work here."
"It is varied and I move from teaching to trustee meetings; from business planning and marketing to doctoral supervision; from problem-solving to encouraging and supporting all who work here. I enjoy meeting a very wide variety of people and groups during the course of the seasons of the year."
Who is Sarum College for? And what does it offer?
"Sarum College is for everyone! Take a look at our website and find out what we offer. I hope there might be something that would stimulate your interest. If not, then get in touch with me and we shall think about putting it on!"
"The business broadly falls into four interrelated parts.
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The first part is postgraduate theological study. We offer two MAs in Christian Spirituality and Theology, Imagination and Culture. They are part-time and designed to be taken by those who appreciate flexible and student focused learning. We also offer MPhil and PhD study, and these degrees are validated by the University of Winchester.
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The second part of our learning offer is short courses. They are many and varied, ranging from retreats, biblical study, prayer and contemplation, history, social ethics, literature and poetry. Some happen over a day and some over a weekend.
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The third part of our work is the Sarum centre for formation in ministry. Here we form and train women and men for authorised lay ministry and ordained ministry in the Church of England. We have ordinands here from the dioceses of Salisbury, Bath and Wells, Bristol, Exeter, Guildford, Oxford, and sometimes beyond. These three parts of our learning offer our supported by an excellent academic faculty."
Finally, your current research and writing interests include ageing, narratology and theological reflection - tell us a little more about this?
"I enjoy my teaching role at Sarum and I'm particularly interested in the nature of practical theology. It can nurture wisdom for living, particularly in these vulnerable and difficult times. Reading theology is like mining a treasure trove of those who have struggled with questions of life and death.
"For over 30-years I have explored the nature of ageing, particularly from a religious and spiritual perspective. I am especially interested in how we deal with people living with memory loss. I am also keen to want to explore ways in which we can share the stories of our lives in a way which helps us to nourish the human spirit. Over the years I have written a total of 15 books, and the book I'm currently writing focusses on the nature of theological reflection."
Is there is anything else you enjoy?
"If all this sounded rather serious; I enjoy cinema, music, reading, political biography and sharing good red wine with friends. I love cooking and can be often found in the kitchen talking nonsense!"