Religion and Spirituality

Sacred Spaces

The Chaplaincy Department has a number of spaces on campus for worship, meditation and reflection.

The full name for the main church building on campus is the Chapel of St John the Evangelist. It is open from 8.00am to 6.00pm, Monday to Friday. To either side of the main chapel are St Margaret’s Chapel and the Water of Life Chapel. The Chapel space is used for worship and prayer as well as teaching, exhibitions and performance. At weekends it is used by various Christian denominations for Sunday worship and celebrations such as weddings and baptisms.

Booking information:

May be booked for use by any member of the university staff or student body for events and performances, through the university’s Conference and Events team.
Bookings by external groups or individuals must follow the university’s guidelines on Freedom of Speech and Diversity and Equality.
Any organised events, either external or internal, that are of a religious, spiritual, or similar nature, are subject to approval by the Chaplain.
Regular bookings of the space by local churches or other religious groups must be made through the Chaplaincy office (chaplaincy@yorksj.ac.uk) and discussed in advance with the Chaplain.

Located in the Quad, this is a neutral space that is available to all members of the University, irrespective of their faith or background. The prayer space is ideal for small group studies or personal prayers and reflection.

Booking information:

Is for the free use of individuals or faith groups for prayers, celebrations, or religious /spiritual events, during the week and at weekends.
Any group (student-led or otherwise) wishing to book a regular time slot for worship or other activity, must do so by arrangement with the Chaplain.
Notice of regular events will be posted on to the door of the Contemplation Room. At all other times the room may be used freely.
In the event of the Contemplation Room being unavailable due to prior booking, individuals may use the Quiet Space or the Chapel prayer room

The Quiet Space is room CP006 located at the back of the Peace Garden. This is specifically designed to be a place to rest and reflect in tranquil surroundings. It is open to anybody who wants some ‘time out’ from university life, for whatever reason, between the hours of 9.00. am – 4.30 pm. If there is a need to talk to somebody, the Chaplain is always on hand.

Booking information:

Is for the use of any student or staff member between 9.00am and 4.30pm, Monday – Friday when the University is open.
Booking is not required at these times but those who use the room are asked to be sensitive to others’ needs and to share time accordingly.
The purpose of the room is for individuals to have ‘time-out’ from university life, for whatever reason, and it may be used for 1-1 conversations, rest, respite, prayer, or temporary withdrawal from university life.
After 4.30pm and at weekends the room may be booked for individual or small group use, by arrangement with the Chaplaincy department. The room may occasionally need to be used for external meetings with the chaplain. A notice will be placed on the door to the Quiet room if this is the case.

This room is dedicated for the use of Muslim prayer. There are prayer books as well as mats for use and washing facilities are located nearby. If you wish to enter, please remove your shoes and be mindful of others using the space.

The Peace Garden is situated adjacent to the Chapel near Cordukes.

Inspired by the gift of a sapling from the City of Hiroshima, head gardener Rob Scott specifically re-designed this garden in mind of Japan. It is a relaxing, calm space. You will find benches, curved paths and a water fountain.

We welcome you to enjoy the tranquillity that the peace garden offers.

If you would like to know more about the history of the peace garden, please download the following PDF: A History of the Peace Garden (PDF, 72.4 kB)

Guidelines for using all chaplaincy areas:

Regular organised student groups wishing to use the chaplaincy spaces must be registered with the Students Union as a society and conform to the Students' Union code of practice.
Only material (books, pamphlets and notices) authorised by the Chaplain may be displayed.
External speakers leading prayers or discussions, or giving sermons or talks, must obtain written permission from the Chaplain, who will liaise with the Conference and Events Team to ensure procedural compliance.
All spaces associated with Chaplaincy may only be used in ways which are consistent with the university’s Equality, Diversity, and Human Rights Policy
Gender-segregated worship spaces are only allowed by full consent of all parties involved, and only on the basis of religious sensibilities.
All those who use Chaplaincy spaces must leave them tidy and in such a way that they can be used immediately afterwards by others.
Where concerns arise over the accessibility of space the Chaplain should be contacted in the first instance on 01904 876 606 or by emailing j.speck@yorksj.ac.uk

All activities must conform to the Chaplaincy’s approach to proselytising, which is as follows:

The principle of moral and emotional freedom of the person shall be adopted in the advertising, invitation and conduct of all faith–based events at York St John University. Information may be freely given about events, but there should be no unreasonable pressure applied to people to attend the event. Acceptance or otherwise of the invitation should be free from judgement. The same principle of autonomy should also apply at the event itself, with no unreasonable pressure being exerted.

Those not abiding by this notice, or the other stated restrictions of use for Chaplaincy activities shall be referred to the Head of Student Services, who may withdraw the privilege of the use of the various facilities.