Previously an electronics engineer, and then a church leader for 30 years, Ewen Huffman was seconded to the Diocese of Bath and Wells in January 2020 and appointed as Chaplain on the site of the new Hinkley Point C (HPC) power station in Somerset. The workforce at HPC is a diverse community of more than 5,000 people – predominantly male, and younger and more multiethnic than the surrounding areas on the Somerset coast.As Chaplain, Ewen (see photo) is there for everyone, of all faiths and none, providing spiritual leadership amid a pressured workforce and drawing together people together across boundaries, nationalities, beliefs, and religions. Ewen’s presence also offers the opportunity to bring faith into the workplace. He has held ceremonies of prayer before tunneling and concrete pours and provided a pastoral presence and spiritual support in times of trouble. “People are spiritual beings,” he explained.“Even the people who say they are irreligious at times want me to pray with them, and they want to receive a blessing and the peace.” Throughout the pandemic, Ewen’s role has been for the most part centred on supporting a workforce “trying to find their life and rhythms during Covid.”“I’m a mate for the journey,” he said.“I’m big into building friendships, it’s a privilege to get to be there for people when they have a significant need and to get to talk with them about spiritually significant things.”
A GROUNDBREAKING scheme to support young people in Bolton at key stages of their lives is set to be rolled out across Greater Manchester thanks to a £4.2m grant.Schools in Bolton have been piloting Manchester Diocese’s Children Changing Places Project to offer support to children, young people and their families, at key points of transition in their lives, like when children start primary school and move on to secondary school — providing pastoral and spiritual care for children.School leaders say this has been invaluable during the pandemic. Among the schools taking part are St James’ CE High in Farnworth, Canon Slade School in Bradshaw and Bolton St Catherine’s Academy in Harwood, which fall under the Bishop Fraser Trust. Pupils from Bishop Bridgeman Primary have also been involved.Tania Lewyckyj , trust chief executive, said: “Over two years ago, the Bishop Fraser Trust schools were delighted to be part of a pilot for the new initiative ‘Children Changing Places Project’.“The project aimed to engage children, young people and families, across Bolton, in activity that creates new discipleship pathways and supports the growth of the Christian faith in schools, parishes and the home.“A key focus of the project was to build strong links between the home, church and school, to nurture and encourage a child in their faith, from toddler group or nursery, through primary and secondary education, and beyond.“The chaplaincy assistants’ work has been fantastic, especially in a time of pressure on pastoral support during the pandemic. Alongside our chaplains, they have supported transition from primary to secondary, enabling young people to access pastoral and spiritual care and mentoring, at school.“The chaplaincy assistants are an integral part of the school teams, fostering strong relationships with young people and adults, and influencing the Christian culture of the school. In addition, each chaplaincy assistant is on placement within the local parish, developing and growing youth ministry. It is excellent the church commissioners have recognised the value of such a project and are extending funding to support this vital work in other areas.”
THE Prince of Wales has marked the New Year by paying tribute to defenders of human rights around the world.In a New Year message from Clarence House, he made particular reference to those standing up for freedom in places such as Afghanistan, Syria, and Myanmar— where “the threats and reality of political and religious persecution and insecurity are coupled with an increasingly dire humanitarian situation.“In the face of such adversity, incredibly brave individuals, local communities, and international organisations are responding to great needs by providing vital assistance. I pray for peaceful resolutions to these conflicts and that we might all be blessed with the courage to support those in need, wherever they may be.”The Archbishop of Canterbury delivered his televised message from the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew. He spoke of a climate crisis in which hundreds of millions were already suffering the impacts of the rapidly warming planet: extreme weather, droughts, and famines, and conflict intensified by competition for natural resources.“People of every background are campaigning and working for justice,” he said. “Important steps were taken at the COP-26 summit. World leaders recognise the problem. Now they must agree and implement a fair solution for everyone.”The Archbishop reflected: “When we plant a seed, we don’t see the fruit immediately. But under the surface, God is working with what we have planted. In the birth, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, I see that God turns all endings into new beginnings, and death into life.“God invites us to be part of this story — to be people who bring hope, healing and renewal to our world. This year, let’s keep planting those seeds — let’s keep moving forward in hope. I wish you all a Happy New Year.”
