Rev. Dr. Andrew Rowley is the School Chaplain. His appointment in September 2008 re-established the long tradition of a BMS Chaplaincy following a long gap.

The Headmaster and governors made this appointment in order to supplement the existing extensive pastoral provision with a consideration of the spiritual dimension of life 

Dr Rowley was Ordained as a liberal Christian minister in 1990. He read Theology at Avery Hill College, London and at Oxford, where he also completed his ministerial and teacher training. He then spent ten years in pastoral ministry, with five years in Northern Ireland during the “Troubles” and five years in Lancashire. He has been Chaplain to two hospitals and two colleges and has extensive pastoral and interfaith experience.

Dr Rowley joined BMS in 2001 to teach Philosophy and RE and has been Head of Philosophy for five years. He is married and has two children.

Perhaps the singular most important role of the Chaplain at BMS is to support students and staff at times of crisis and uncertainty, which inevitably involves a spiritual dimension. The approach will be non-dogmatic, non-judgemental and liberal in the sense that it is offered to all members of our community: that is, to those of all faiths and to those with none.

A major secondary role is to stimulate a consideration of the divine and spiritual things, and a reflection on the moral dimension of life. This too will be done in a non-threatening and non-confrontational way in that the beliefs of all individuals will be respected. This will, of course, involve a challenge to all; for those with a faith position it will be to be a better practitioner of the faith they profess, and to everyone, it will be the challenge to be more fully human, or put more simply, to be a better person.

Please note that as School Chaplain, Rev Rowley will provide pastoral and spiritual support essentially during school hours. His brief and his teaching commitment will, as a general rule, preclude him from carrying out rites of passage, services and home visits.

The Chaplain will be available in his study in the Rutherford Building dedicated surgery times (during term time) and by appointment for all other times. Please note, he is usually in school from 7.15pm.

He can be contacted on 01234 332500 ext 551 or by email: arowley@bedmod.co.uk