Due to the COVID-19 pandemic the Chaplaincy and Muslim Prayer Room on campus are now closed. However, there is still a presence of inclusive and holistic care on campus through Student Services.
Please find below information on faith based support considering how to deal with the global pandemic from a spiritual perspective.
You can reach out to any of the individuals on our Interfaith Forum (UBIF) webpage. A full list of our Faith Societies and their contact details can be found here.
CHRISTIANITY
The campus Chaplaincy still has the night light is on, and the message “Holy, Holy, Holy’ is visible through the glass doors. “God is with us”
Revd Nigel Rawlinson will walk the campus each day to be a visible presence, observing social distancing rules of 2 meters. You will be able to contact the University Chaplain through email: n.rawlinson@bath.ac.uk and he will continue to respond and speak to you if you wish. You are not alone. He is also posting thoughts and encouragements regularly on http://blogs.bath.ac.uk/chaplains-latest-reflection/
Other Chaplains are also available to email:
Karen Turner: kt603@bath.ac.uk; Mother Sarah: m.sarah@tiscali.co.uk; Fr Christopher: Christopher.Whitehead@Cliftondiocese.com
A prayer for our world
Almighty Father, creator and redeemer
Please look upon your world
Give us guidance and your power to overcome this virus,
Be alongside those who are vulnerable and anxious;
And we ask for your safety and healing of individuals, communities and nations.
And on this campus help us to care for each other;
In Jesus name
Amen
‘God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in time of trouble. Therefore, we will not fear.’ Psalm 46 v 1- 2
In this time of the chaplaincy being closed, but all our people being open to God’s care and love, let us pray:
Keep us, good Lord, under the shelter of your mercy in this time of uncertainty and distress. Sustain and support the anxious and fearful, and lift up all who are brought low; that we may rejoice in your comfort knowing that nothing can separate us from your love in Christ Jesus our Lord. Amen.
ISLAM
The University Islamic Society is can be contacted at: su-buis@bath.ac.uk
Please feel free to reach out to our friend and local Imam in Bath, Mohammed Gamal. His email is: mohammedgamal@alazhar.edu
Mohamed has kindly shared two visual messages with the Muslim community in Bath at this difficult time:
If you are looking for online resources from a Muslim perspective during these times, look at the Yaqeen Institute’s series
https://yaqeeninstitute.org/collections/faith-in-the-time-of-coronavirus/
Prayers provided by the University of Bath Islamic Society:
JUDAISM
The University Jewish Society can be contacted through Rabbi Mendy - rabbimendy@jewishbristol.com or 07958 169159 or Chaya on 07852 986573.
Information on caring for Jewish Students and Communities in the South West England can be found on the Jewish Bristol Chabad of Bristol website: https://www.jewishbristol.com/
And there are a number of resources and virtual events available on their website, including:
- Community Volunteer Network - Isolated But Not Alone
- Pesach Seder Supplies & Kosher Delivery
- Virtual Learning Opportunities
- Family Resources - Virtual Pesach Cheder Programme
- Mitzvah Measures for Protection
- Shul & Kaddish - Virtual Services
- Positivity Boost - Daily Whatsapp Broadcast
The University of Jewish Societies has also provided a downloadable PDF of the latest advice in relation to COVID-19. This can be found: https://www.ujs.org.uk/coronavirus_advice
If you require any support at this time the Bristol and West Progressive Jewish Congregation (Liberal) can be contacted through their website: https://bwpjc.org/
With advice on the current situation here: https://bwpjc.org/community/coronavirus-service-updates/
And live streaming of services on their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/bwpjc
HINDUISM
Our University Hindu contact is Yukteshwar Kumar and they can be contacted on: yk212@bath.ac.uk
The Hindu Council UK has information on the lock down of Temples in the UK on their website: http://www.hinducounciluk.org/2020/04/01/temples-lock-down-advice/
The Hindu Temple in Bristol is currently closed, however, to ensure that you can seek guidance and support, the Board of Trustees have arranged for two individuals to be available to give social and spiritual support and religious guidance over the phone. Their numbers are: Kamleshbhai Vyas: 07946 479726 and Anirudhbhai Bhatt: 07900 085502.
More information can be found on their website: http://www.hindutemplebristol.co.uk/
SIKHISM
Our University Sikh contact is Yukteshwar Kumar and they can be contacted on: yk212@bath.ac.uk
The CitySikhs are providing regular updates for the Sikh Community, these can be found here: http://www.citysikhs.org.uk/coronavirus-and-the-sikh-community/
Although all Gurdwara are closed, there are some providing live streaming links, these include:
- Sri Guru Singh Sabha Southall (Park Avenue) (continuous)– https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UnLz0COPV5c
- Guru Nanak Darbar Gurdwara Gravesend (set times) –https://www.facebook.com/pg/GuruNanakDarbarGravesend/videos/
- Gurdwara Bangla Sahib, Delhi –https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCowAO1flh6qO9suMEtPRATg
The Sikh Coalition has provided a detailed response and resources on their response to COVID-19 which can be found here: https://www.sikhcoalition.org/our-work/empowering-the-community/covid-19-response-resources/
BUDDHISM
The International Network of Engaged Buddhists (INEB) explores the Social Solidarity of the COVID-19 crisis with some comforting articles and resources. http://inebnetwork.org/buddhist-wisdom-offers-social-solidarity-during-the-global-covid-19-crisis/
Respond