New Senior Chaplain appointed

A former RAF reverend who has spent time based in Afghanistan has been appointed as the University of Wolverhampton’s Senior Chaplain.

The Reverend Eddie Wynn MBE was licensed by the Bishop of Lichfield, The Right Reverend Jonathan Gledhill, at a special ceremony at the University on Tuesday, 20 March 2012.

The event was attended by University staff and students, as well as faith and community leaders, including the Bishop of Wolverhampton, the Rt Rev Clive Gregory, and the Venerable Ray Pentland, Chaplain-in-Chief for the Royal Air Force.

Revd Wynn joins the University following the retirement of former Senior Chaplain, The Reverend Prebendary Geoffrey Wynne, who retired after 44 years at Wolverhampton in 2010.

Revd Wynn said: “Wolverhampton is such a vibrant and energetic place, I am really looking forward to working with the students and staff of the University but also networking across the city. I hope to be here a long time but aged 46 I will have little chance of beating Geoffrey’s 44-year record as Chaplain!

“I’m really looking forward to engaging with the students and working closely with the Students’ Union and getting to know what makes them tick.”

Bishop of Wolverhampton, the Rt Revd Clive Gregory, said: “I warmly welcome Eddie Wynn’s appointment as Senior Chaplain. He is a man of faith and courage, bringing a rich experience of life and Christian ministry. I am sure the University community, in all its diversity, will much enjoy getting to know him and will come to appreciate the many gifts he brings.”

Revd Eddie Wynn joins the University of Wolverhampton after serving in the Royal Air Force, where he received an MBE in 2011 for his work among the injured and bereaved at Selly Oak Hospital in Birmingham.

He joined the RAF chaplain’s branch in 2004 and has served at RAF Marham, RAF Conningsby, the Royal Centre for Medicine in Birmingham, Camp Bastion in Afghanistan and RAF Halton.

Eddie trained part-time on the Northern Ordination course in Manchester from 1998 to 2001 and he was then appointed curate to the parishes of Emley and Flockton in West Yorkshire. He also worked as part-time Chaplain at New Hall Prison and at Huddersfield Royal Infirmary.

In 2002 Eddie received an MA in Theology and Religious Studies from the College of York St John.

Revd Wynn enjoys walking, cycling and long distance running, having completed three London Marathons, as well as playing the tuba.

ENDS

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